How long cut flowers last and how to make them last longer

The question we get asked most often. The short answer: between 5 and 14 days, depending on the species and —above all— on what you do in the first two days.

Expected vase life by species

Flower	Typical vase life
Chrysanthemums	10 to 14 days
Lilies	10 to 12 days
Carnations	7 to 14 days
Roses	5 to 8 days
Gerberas	5 to 8 days
Sunflowers	5 to 7 days
Tulips	4 to 7 days
Peonies	3 to 5 days

The six things that really matter

1. Cut the stems at an angle, one centimeter (under half an inch), under running tap water. The angled cut increases the absorption surface, and doing it underwater keeps air from getting into the stem.
2. Remove every leaf that sits below the waterline. It is the number one reason the water goes bad and the flowers die early.
3. Change the water every two days and rinse the vase. Topping it up is not enough.
4. Away from fruit. Ripe fruit releases ethylene, which tells the flower to age. A fruit bowl next to the vase cuts the bouquet's life in half.
5. No direct sun or heaters. Heat speeds everything up.
6. At night, move them somewhere cool. If you can put them in a cooler room while you sleep, you gain days.

About the little packet of flower food

It works, and it isn't marketing: it combines sugar (energy), an acidifier (better absorption) and a biocide (keeps bacteria in check). If you don't have one, the most sensible home remedy is a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of bleach per liter (about a quart). What does not work is aspirin or a copper coin.