10 ways to check cut flowers for freshness

Here’s a concise 10-point guide on how to inspect cut flowers for freshness. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask your florist questions -- a good flower shop will be happy to advise you.

1. Stem Firmness:

   • Gently squeeze the stem near the base.
   • Fresh stems should feel firm, not mushy or slimy.

2. Petal Condition:

   • Examine petals for bruising, browning, or wilting.
   • Fresh flowers have vibrant, intact petals.

3. Leaf Health:

   • Check leaves for discoloration or yellowing.
   • Healthy leaves indicate fresh blooms.

4. Water Clarity:

   • Look at the vase water.
   • Clear water suggests freshness; cloudy water may harbor bacteria.

5. Buds and Blooms:

   • Choose partially open buds or just-opened blooms.
   • Avoid fully mature flowers, as they won’t last as long.

6. Stem Ends:

   • Inspect the cut ends of stems.
   • Freshly cut stems should be clean and not slimy.

7. Smell Test:

   • Take a whiff of the flowers.
   • Fresh blooms have a pleasant fragrance.

8. Stem Length:

   • Longer stems indicate freshness.
   • Short, trimmed stems may be older.

9. Color Intensity:

   • Bright, vivid colors signal freshness.
   • Faded or dull hues may indicate aging.

10. Time Since Cutting:

    • Ask the florist when the flowers were cut.
    • Fresher flowers last longer in your vase.

These simple checks will help you select the freshest flowers for your arrangements.