1: Start with a clean vase. Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse with water mixed with a teaspoon of bleach or splash of vinegar. Bacteria is the enemy of cut flowers. A freshly cleaned vase is a great start to longer flower life!

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2. Give the stems fresh, diagonal trim. About a half an inch off the end is enough. This helps to open the stem to allow it to drink up the water and stay hydrated.

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3. Change the vase water every few days or sooner if it is cloudy. Some flowers like sunflowers and zinnias have hairy stems which slough off into the water. Keeping the water clean for all flowers helps reduce bacteria. Making a diagonal trim at the end of the stems each time you change the water maximizes their hydration, too!