Aspirin

It’s a proven way to keep cut flowers fresh longer: Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers. Don’t forget to change the vase water every few days.

Bleach

Freshly cut flowers will last longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon bleach per quart of water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 quart of water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Hair Spray

A quick spray can help your cut flowers look fresh longer. Stand a foot away from the bouquet and spray, just on the undersides of the leaves and petals. This trick also helps keep tulips from opening too much.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Try this to keep cut flowers around as long as possible: Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar with the vase water before adding the flowers. Be sure to change the water (with more vinegar and sugar, of course) every day or two to prolong flower beauty.

Sugar

Make your own preservative to keep cut flowers fresh longer. Dissolve 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar per quart of warm water. When you fill the vase, make sure the cut stems are covered by 3 to 4 inches of the prepared water. The sugar nourishes the plants, while the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth. You’ll be surprised how long the arrangement stays fresh.