Does baking soda help flowers last longer?

No. Baking soda raises the pH of water, disrupts oxygen levels, and adds sodium—all of which can harm cut flowers and shorten vase life.

Is it safe to put baking soda in vase water?

It’s not recommended. Baking soda can bleach petals, alter water chemistry, and make it harder for flowers to absorb what they need to stay fresh.

What should I use instead of baking soda to keep flowers fresh?

Use clean water, trim stems regularly, and add a flower food like Flower Boosters. It contains ingredients designed to extend bloom life without damaging the flowers.

Why is baking soda bad for flower water?

Baking soda alters pH, reduces oxygen levels, and adds sodium to the water. This interferes with hydration and can shorten vase life.

What should I use instead of baking soda?

Use clean water, trim stems regularly, and use a proven flower food like Flower Boosters Cut Flower Enhancer. These methods support hydration and longevity naturally.

does baking soda make flowers last longer?

(Short answer: No—and here’s why it actually harms your bouquet.)

You’ve probably seen the advice floating around: “Just add baking soda to your vase water to keep flowers fresh.” But does it work?

Despite the popularity of this internet hack, the truth is that baking soda does not make flowers last longer—and it may actually make them wilt faster. In this guide, we’ll explain what really happens when you add baking soda to flower water, and what to do instead.

Why Baking Soda Hurts Cut Flowers

Here’s what really goes wrong when you put baking soda in your vase:

1. It disrupts water pH.

Baking soda is alkaline. When added to water, it raises the pH too high for most flowers to absorb nutrients effectively. This slows hydration and weakens the blooms.

2. It reduces oxygen in the water.

High pH levels can reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Flowers need oxygen to stay firm and fresh—without it, they collapse quickly.

3. It adds salt stress.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. That sodium builds up in the water and creates a hostile environment for your bouquet. Some flowers may even show salt burn symptoms.

4. It can bleach delicate petals.

Some flowers, especially those with soft or pastel-colored petals, may lose vibrancy or develop discoloration due to the mild bleaching effect of baking soda.

What To Use Instead

If you want your flowers to stay fresh longer, skip the DIY baking soda hacks. Instead, try this:

✅ Start with clean water
✅ Trim the stems every 2–3 days
✅ Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and heat
✅ Use a proven flower food like Flower Boosters

Why Flower Boosters Work Better

Most internet recipes miss the mark. At Flower Boosters, we’ve tested them all—sugar, vinegar, aspirin, bleach, and yes, baking soda. Nothing beats a scientifically formulated product that actually supports hydration and longevity.

Flower Boosters uses caffeine and natural compounds to keep flowers looking alive, alert, and freshly cut—without toxic chemicals or strange side effects.

Not sure it really works? Read real reviews from customers who tested it themselves.

Final Verdict: Skip the Baking Soda

Adding baking soda to cut flower water may sound harmless, but it disrupts everything your bouquet needs to thrive. Go with methods that actually work—and give your flowers the care they deserve.