The other morning I was out in the garden, coffee in hand, admiring the poppies just starting to bloom. I couldn’t resist picking a few to brighten up the kitchen. Those soft petals and colours are just too pretty not to enjoy inside. But if you’ve ever cut poppies before, you’ll know they don’t usually last long in a vase… unless you give them a little extra care.
Here’s what I do to keep them looking fresh for a few more days 👇
✨ Pick them early – grab them when the buds are just starting to crack open with a bit of colour peeking through (not fully open). Morning is best!
✨ Seal the stems – poppies ooze a milky sap when cut, which stops them drinking water. To fix this:
- Hold the ends over a flame for 10–15 secs 🔥
OR
- Dip them in boiling water for 20–30 secs 💧
✨ Straight into water – place them in a clean vase with lukewarm water. A little sugar + vinegar mix works as homemade flower food too.
✨ Keep them cool – out of direct sun or heaters.
With the right care, I usually get 3–5 days of those dreamy, delicate blooms indoors. Short-lived, yes – but so worth it.
💕 And the best part? Poppies are super easy to grow & you’ve still got time to plant them this season! 🌱🌸
- P&P