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Flower Care

Flower Care

How can I make my flowers last longer?

Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!

Essentials for your flowers

If possible, Keep your flowers in a cool spot preferably 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, direct drafts from a ceiling fan, and the tops of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)

When your flowers arrive in wet foam

Keep the floral foam soaked in water containing floral food provided by your florist.

When your flowers are arranged in water

Keep the vase filled with water containing floral food (If available)

If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, re-cut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors

Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.

When your flowers have woody stems and branches (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac)
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening.

When receiving a loose wrapped bouquet of flowers

1) Cut 1 inch off the stems and remove leaves that fall below the water line.
2) Fill vase with water and add 1 packet of flower food (If available)
3) Re-cut stems, change water and add second packet of flower food on day 3.
4) Keep your Flowers away from direct sunlight, heat and drafts.
5) Remove spent leaves to keep bouquet looking fresh longer.

What is floral food and why use it?

Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. Flower food is not necessary but it is one of the best and easiest ways to extend the life of your flowers.
It is very important to follow the flower care directions. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good.

Homemade Floral Food

There are 3 ingredients that are helpful when trying to keep your flowers fresh and long lasting. They are:

  • Sugar – provides nutritio
  • Citric acid – acts as an acidifier and lowers the ph level of the water
  • Bleach – prevents bacteria growth

    Here are four do-it-yourself options that we have come across:
  • Add one or two drops of bleach to the water of your vase arrangement
  • One part lemon lime soda (7-Up, Sprite) to 3 parts of water
  • Two tablespoons lemon juice, one-tablespoon sugar, one quarter teaspoon bleach to one quart of water
  • Two tablespoons of white vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar to one quart of water