Florist’s Guide to Homemade Flower Food
Keep Your Bouquets Blooming Beautifully at Home
Fresh flowers bring life and beauty into any room, but without the right care, they can fade quickly. While commercial flower food works well, you can easily make your own at home using simple ingredients. Here’s how to keep your bouquet looking vibrant for as long as possible.
What’s in Flower Food and Why It Works
Homemade flower food combines three key elements:
Sugar – Nourishes the blooms and helps them stay open.
Acid – Lowers the pH of the water, which helps stems absorb moisture more efficiently.
Bleach – A very small amount keeps bacteria and mold at bay.
Basic Homemade Flower Food Recipe
Use the following formula for every quart (or liter) of water:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon household bleach
1 quart (1 liter) lukewarm water
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.
Fill a clean vase with the solution.
Trim flower stems at an angle before placing them in the vase.
Change the water and replace with fresh solution every 2 to 3 days.
Tips to Extend Vase Life
Remove all leaves that will sit below the waterline to prevent rot.
Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters, and ripening fruit.
Re-trim stems every few days to maintain water uptake.
Always use a clean vase to reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
Natural Alternative Without Bleach
If you prefer not to use bleach, try this gentler mix:
Apple Cider Vinegar Flower Food:
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 quart water
This version works well for delicate flowers like tulips, sweet peas, and ranunculus.
A Final Note from Your Florist
Each flower has its own needs—some, like hydrangeas or lilies, benefit from special care. If you're unsure, just ask. We're always happy to share tips to help your flowers stay fresh longer.
