When you grow up in a flower shop, you learn a few tricks of the trade — especially when your dad is Seo Rae Kim, a florist with over 30 years of experience. Known to his customers as “John,” my dad has dedicated his life to the art of floral care and design. Today, I’m sharing his best-kept secrets for keeping cut flowers fresh and vibrant — the kind of advice you won’t find on the back of a flower food packet.
🌿 1. Choose the Right Flowers at the Right Time
“Always choose flowers with slightly opened buds,” my dad says. “If they’re too tight, they may never open. If they’re wide open, they won’t last.”
Look for signs of freshness: green stems, no browning on the petals, and sturdy posture.
✂️ 2. Cut Stems at an Angle — and Immediately
Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle allows for maximum water absorption. But timing matters too.
“Do it under running water or immediately place them in a bucket,” John advises, “or you risk an air pocket blocking water flow.”
🚰 3. Clean Water is Non-Negotiable
Change the water daily, especially in warmer climates.
“Bacteria is the enemy,” he always says. A few drops of bleach or apple cider vinegar in the vase can help keep it clean — but don’t overdo it.
🍯 4. Feed Them — But Naturally
If you don’t have commercial flower food, my dad’s go-to recipe is simple:
- A pinch of sugar
- A teaspoon of lemon juice
- A few drops of bleach
This combo nourishes the flowers and keeps bacteria at bay.
🌞 5. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Ripening Fruit
“People think flowers love sunlight. They don’t. They’re not potted plants.”
Keep arrangements in a cool spot and away from fruit bowls — fruits release ethylene gas that speeds up wilting.
🧼 6. Strip the Stems
Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline to prevent rot.
“Even one soggy leaf can cloud the water and shorten the life of your blooms.”
🌼 7. Know When to Let Go
Some flowers, like tulips and poppies, have shorter lifespans. Rather than forcing them to last, appreciate their fleeting beauty — and refresh your space regularly.
Final Thought:
Flowers are living art, and with a little extra care, you can make the most of their beauty. As my florist dad always says, “Fresh flowers remind us to pause — and enjoy the moment while it lasts.”
