Create Your Own Flower Food With These Household Items

August 9, 2023

When you bring home a beautiful bouquet or receive fresh flowers from someone special, you want them to last as long as possible. While florists usually include a small packet of flower food, it’s easy to make your own with a few simple household ingredients. In fact, DIY flower food can be just as effective—and it gives you control over what goes into the vase.

Here’s how to mix up your own flower-preserving magic at home.

Why Use Flower Food?

Fresh cut flowers still “drink” water, but once they’re separated from the plant, they need a bit of help. Flower food keeps the water clean, feeds the stems, and helps fight off bacteria, all of which extend the life of your blooms.

A good flower food recipe contains:

Sugar – to feed the flowers
Acid – to lower the water's pH and help water travel up the stems
Antibacterial agent – to reduce bacteria and fungi

DIY Flower Food Recipe

Here’s a classic homemade flower food formula:

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice (or ½ teaspoon white vinegar)
A few drops of bleach (about ¼ teaspoon)
1 cup of lukewarm water

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a clean container.
Pour into your vase, filling it about ⅔ full.
Trim flower stems at an angle before placing them in the vase.

Tips for Longer-Lasting Flowers

Change the water every 2–3 days, and re-add fresh flower food each time.
Re-trim stems each time you refresh the water.
Keep flowers out of direct sunlight, away from fruit (which emits ethylene gas), and away from heating vents or cold drafts.

Bonus: Natural Alternatives

If you’re keeping it green and chemical-free, try this all-natural version:

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups water

It won’t preserve the flowers quite as long as commercial food, but it’s a solid option for quick arrangements or if you’re trying to reduce synthetic additives.

Making your own flower food is a small but powerful way to care for your blooms. Whether it’s a hand-tied bouquet from your local florist or a foraged bunch from your backyard, giving your flowers the nutrients and care they need will help them stay vibrant and beautiful for days longer.