How to make Valentine’s flowers last longer

Valentine’s Day flowers are one of my favorite kinds of gifts. They’re sweet, they’re classic and they instantly make your kitchen counter feel a little more joyful. The only downside? Watching that gorgeous bouquet start to droop way too soon. If you got flowers for Valentine’s Day (or treated yourself, as you should), here are simple, florist-approved ways to help them stay fresh longer.

• Keep flowers away from fruit. Bananas, apples and pears give off ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting.
• Trim stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut about an inch off right away (and again every couple of days) so stems can drink more water.
• Use the flower food packet. It helps fight bacteria and can keep blooms vibrant up to five extra days.
• Change the water often. Fresh water every 1-2 days makes a big difference. Rinse the vase if it gets cloudy or slimy.
• Remove leaves below the waterline. Wet leaves rot fast and create bacteria.
• Toss wilted pieces. Pull out dying blooms and fallen leaves to help the rest last longer.
• Skip heat and direct sun. Keep the vase out of sunny windows, away from heaters and vents.

A little maintenance goes a long way! Happy Valentine’s Day!