Give Your Fresh Flowers Some Love
Valentine's Day is here, and you have received a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers. While love and diamonds may be forever, flowers are not. But you can enjoy your flowers for much longer by following some simple guidelines to prolong their life.
Clean the Vase
Wash the vase first in hot, soapy water; use a scrub sponge or bottle brush to remove any debris or stains clinging to the inside. You can also disinfect the vase by rinsing it out with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. Rinse the vase thoroughly before use.
Although there are many beautiful ceramic flower vases, I prefer vases of clear or tinted glass; mason jars are a great choice for small, casual arrangements. With glass, I can keep an eye on the water level and watch for any plant debris or signs of cloudiness below the water line.
Use the Food
Florists' flowers usually come with a packet of "flower food." Follow the packet instructions for mixing, and use the amount of water specified on the packet (usually either a pint or a quart) for best results. Commercial floral preservatives contain ingredients to acidify the water, provide some carbohydrates for the flowers, and deter bacterial growth. They work better than any home-made concoctions.
Strip the Leaves
Remove all leaves and any other plant material (thorns, small side stems, unopened buds) from the part of the stems that will be below the water line in the vase. If left underwater, this vegetation will quickly begin to rot, make the water cloudy and smelly, and shorten the life of your flowers.
Cut the Stems
Use sharp, clean clippers or scissors to recut the ends of the floral stems at an angle before putting them in the vase. This creates a fresh surface for the stems to absorb water. If possible, make the cuts under water, either in a bowl, sink, or under running tap water. Then quickly put them in the prepped vase of water, tweaking the arrangement once all the stems are in place.
Change the Water
Check the water level daily and add more water as needed, being careful not to submerge any leaves still on the stems. It is a good idea to change out the water completely every few days; you may need to add a new packet of floral preservative to the fresh water. Rinse off and recut the stems before putting them back in the clean water.
Keep It Cool
Fresh flower arrangements will last much longer if kept in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources (such as vents, fireplaces, and appliances). Overnight, or when not on display, put them in a cool room or even in the refrigerator, if you have the space, to prolong their life.
Follow these guidelines, and your fresh flowers can last one to two weeks, sometimes even longer, depending on the varieties in your vase. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium), carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), alstroemerias (Alstroemeria spp.), sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), and zinnias (Zinnia spp.) are a few flowers noted for their long vase life.
Give your fresh flowers some love, and they will love you back with beauty and fragrance for days after the Valentine's Day candy is long gone.
