Keeping Flowers Fresh

Ever wonder how other people are able to keep their fresh flowers looking great for a long time?

• Wash the vase carefully to remove all traces of flowers that were in it before.
• Fill the fase with lukewarm water for most flowers, cold water for bulb flowers
• Use any preservative as the label directs. A preservative can be sugar, biocides to discourage growth of bacteria and fungi and which allow easier water uptake, and acidifiers, which lower the water's pH. - DIY potions include ingredients as diverse as pennies, aspirin, lemon-time soda, vinegar and mouthwash. However, more common solutions include 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 tablespoon of sugar stirred into a 1 gallon container of water.
• Remove foliage that will be below the water line as that is a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Hold each stem under water and cut about an inch off the end at an angle, using a sharp nonserrated knife. A knife won't crush stems as scissors can. Under water cutting prevents air from blocking water uptake. Cutting at an angle keeps stems from resting flat against the vase once inside the container.
• Stick flowers into filled vase of water right away.
• Place the vase out of direct sunlight and in a cool spot. Keep vase away from radiators, vents or warm appliances.
• Every other day, refill the vase, add preservative, recut the stems and put them in fresh water right away.
• Enjoy your fresh cut flowers.