Flower care tips

How to Lengthen the Life of Your Arrangement

Two of the top questions people ask when purchasing flowers are "How do I take care of them?" and "How long will they last?" Whether it's a single bud, a small bunch or an abundant arrangement, a little extra care can make a big difference.

Most floral arrangements last between 4-7 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive. The Society of Florists suggests these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements
Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing a flower food provided by your florist.

If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.

Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)

For loose bunches or boxed flowers
If you can't get your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.

Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

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

Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater -- this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air -- and place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

Is there a trick to cutting fresh flowers?

You should always cut fresh flowers with a sharp knife. Scissors or a dull knife can crush the stem of a flower and reduce the amount of water that can reach the bloom. When you are cutting the stem place the knife on an angle and slice through the stem. This creates a point at the end of the stem which maximizes the amount of water that can reach the bloom.

What should I do if I run out of plant food?

If you run out of the food that is given to you with your fresh flowers simply add a few tablespoons of 7-UP or Sprite to the water. These beverages contain citric acid which is one of the ingredients contained in a package of flower food.

How do I make my fresh flowers last longer?

There are a few easy steps to ensure your flowers last longer:

• Always keep the water level topped up in the vase or container which holds your flowers.
• When cutting the stems of your flowers, always use a sharp knife and cut the stems on an angle.
• Be sure to add some of the flower food that is sent with your flowers (or the equivalent).
• Never place your fresh flowers where there might be a warm draft, such as, the top of a refrigerator or beside a heating vent. Fresh flowers last longer when they are at room temperature or lower.
 

General Flower Tips...... »

1) Cut flowers must always be fresh cut just before placing in vase.

2) Add a few ice cubes daily to keep water chilled and the water fresh. This step will help increase the length of time your fresh cut flowers will last.

3) Make sure to use flower food in vase water. Cut flowers need all the help they can get.

4) Change the water every 3-4 days and fresh cut your flower stems.

5) Use a baking powder (1 tablespoon/gallon) and horticultural oil (read instructions) combination to prevent and control powdery mildew and insects on roses and many other plants. Make sure to always do a test spray first.

6) Use organic fertilizers while gardening as they help build up soil organisms and improve the quality of your flowers and lawn.

7) Spray pottery left outside in cold climates with WD-40 oil spray to seal the pores of the pot. This preventative measure will help stop pots from cracking. Test spray first to make sure it does not stain the surface.

8) If the winter is dry, try to water your evergreens once a month, even if the ground seems frozen.

9) Start with a container that gives your flowers room to breathe. Make sure the container is clean.

10) Cut about an inch off the stems, and re-cut every few days.

11) Cut stems under water to prevent air bubbles from sealing off the openings.

12) Use a sharp tool like a knife to cut stems.

13) Feed your flowers.

14) Remove leaves that would otherwise be submerged in vase water.

15) Place your flowers in a spot that's not too hot, cold or drafty.

16) Keep flowers fresh.

17) Remove flowers that begin to fade.