Since we usually only get flowers on special occasions (which are few and far between), we want to make sure they last. Luckily, we convinced florist Karina Lemke to share her tips and tricks to make sure our flowers stay pretty for as long as possible.
How can we make our flowers last longer?
If you’re trying to make your flowers last longer you always have to treat them very well right from the beginning, which means practicing basic floral care.
1. You want to ensure that any leaves that are going to be below the water line are going to be stripped away, because the leaves are going to 
promote bacteria and bacteria causes the premature death of the flower.
2. You want to make sure that your vases are clean.
3. Make sure that you add flower food where it’s appropriate. Usually, when you buy flowers they will enclose packages of flower food and tell you if you should use it or not. Certain flowers, like tulips, don’t necessarily need the flower food; they’ll grow very well on their own. In fact, by adding the flower food you’re probably speeding up their expiration date because you’re actually making them grow faster.
4. You want to keep your flowers in as cool a place as possible. Flowers respond to heat by dying. They want to be treated like humans; they generally prefer it a little bit cooler at night and a little bit warmer during the day, mostly at room temperature, not above (68°F is great). Florists typically keep their shops very, very cool. We do that so that we don’t lose a lot of flowers.
Since opening Posies Flower Shop, Karina Lemke has amassed a large following of media, celebrity, and high-end clients. Her stylish and sophisticated work has garnered her international exposure ranging from arrangements for upscale private functions to romantic and elegant weddings, and corporate work for some of the country's largest companies. She is also host of Petal Pushers on HGTV.
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