Household Hacks to Keep Flowers Fresh for Valentine's Day

Gillespie Florists shares science-backed tips to extend the life of fresh-cut flowers

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Ahead of Valentine's Day, Sarah Gillespie of Gillespie Florists in Indianapolis shared household remedies and debunked common flower care myths to help people keep their fresh-cut flowers healthy and blooming longer. Gillespie discussed the key components of commercial flower food - acidifiers, carbohydrates, and germicides - and how common kitchen items like clear soda, sugar, and bleach can substitute when flower food packets are unavailable.

Why it matters

With Valentine's Day approaching, many people will be purchasing fresh flowers. Knowing how to properly care for and extend the life of those flowers can save money and reduce waste, while also ensuring the recipient can enjoy the blooms for longer.

The details

According to Gillespie, commercial flower food is the most effective option for keeping flowers fresh, as it contains a precise mix of acidifiers, carbohydrates, and germicides to nourish the flowers, improve water absorption, and limit bacteria growth. When flower food packets are unavailable, clear soda can serve as an effective alternative, as it contains all three key components. Gillespie also recommended using household items like sugar, chlorine bleach, vinegar, and lemon juice as flower care remedies. Additionally, she debunked common myths, such as the effectiveness of placing a copper penny in the vase or crushing the ends of stems to help flowers absorb more water.

  • Gillespie shared these tips ahead of Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Sarah Gillespie

Owner of Gillespie Florists in Indianapolis.

Dr. John Dole

Researcher at North Carolina State University who has studied flower care.

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What they’re saying

“Commercial flower food is designed to nourish flowers, improve water absorption and limit bacteria growth in vase water. The packets contain a precise mix of acidifiers, carbohydrates and germicides that work together to prevent mold and supply energy for blooming.”

— Sarah Gillespie, Owner, Gillespie Florists (wishtv.com)

The takeaway

By using common household items as substitutes for commercial flower food and following proper flower care techniques, people can extend the life of their fresh-cut flowers this Valentine's Day, saving money and reducing waste while ensuring their loved ones can enjoy the blooms for longer.