Buy early.
Purchase flowers still in bud to get the longest display.
Snip smart.
When you get cut flowers home, snip at an angle at least ½ inch off the bottom of the stems with a pair of sharp shears or scissors, to maximize their absorption of water.
Deep dunks.
Before arranging, give flowers a good long dunk in deep water. You'll firm up the stems and help them last longer-they'll absorb half the water they need in the first 24 hours. If you're cutting flowers from your own garden, carry a container of water with you and immediately plunge your cut stems in.
Snack time.
Use that sachet of plant food that usually comes with purchased flowers. If you're cutting plants from your own garden, add some sugar, lemonade, or aspirin to the water to keep flowers vigorous.
Special cuts.
Cut carnations just above a leaf nodule to prolong their beauty.
Daffodil dunks.
Before arranging daffodils, leave them overnight in water to remove excess sap.
Warm soaks.
Use tepid water for arrangements because slightly warmed water allows the oxygen to travel more readily up the stems than cold water.
Cool mists.
Spritz arrangements frequently with cold water to keep them looking fresh.
Freshen up.
Changing water regularly (every other day) maximizes the life of your flowers.
Tulips, beware.
Be prudent in pairing tulips with other flowers; they tend to shorten the life of nearby blooms.
Scent sense.
Scented flowers release their scent better in a heated room.
Article content courtesy of Easy Flowers © Ryland Peters & Small, 2003, 2007