Making Flowers Last
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Flowers are beautiful. When we bring them into our homes, either
as gifts, purchased at the store, or cut from the garden, we want them to last
as long as possible. Fresh flowers can last up to a week with proper care.
Here are some tips to keep them looking good as long as
possible.
General Guidelines
Always trim the bottoms of fresh flowers before you place them
in water. Cut off about an inch, and make the cut at a 45-degree angle.
Trim them with a sharp knife and try to do it under water so
that as soon as the stem is cut, it will fill up with water.
Always cut off stems beneath the water level.
Flowers last longer when given nutrients designed for cut
flowers. If you display a lot of flowers in your home, pick up some plant food
at your local florist shop.
Check your flowers daily to make sure there is still plenty of
water in their container. If the water is not clear, change it.
Cut Flowers
Cut flowers should be put into water as soon as possible. If you
can’t get them in a vase right away, set them in a cool, dark place.
Buy flowers that stand up firm, and still have buds waiting to
open.
Avoid spotty foliage.
Floral Arrangements
If your flowers are in foam, do not let the foam get dry.
Do not put your flower arrangements in direct sunlight, or any
other place that will dry them out.
Avoid placing near hot or cold blowing air, such as near furnace
vents and fans. Objects that use electricity, like your television, also heat
up, and will dry out your flowers.