Bouquets will do best in cool, shaded areas, away from direct sunlight or heat.

If they are not already in a vessel, place stems into a vessel with cold water as soon as possible. Flowers will already be cut at a 45-degree angle and stripped. Optional: Stir in 2 teaspoons of table sugar and 1/4 teaspoons of bleach per 16oz cold water.

Change the cold water daily for the first few days and every other day thereafter.

Each bloom and stem will wither at a different rate. To extend the life of the bouquet, remove and compost/discard any spent bloom. Trim the remaining stems, cutting at a 45-degree angle with sharp scissors or a knife. Rearrange the bouquet to your fancy.

Over the days, if the water in the vessel becomes brown or cloudy, or the stems begin to accumulate a slimy residue, it’s near time to discard the bouquet.