Tuesday, October 28, 2008

6 Tips To Make Your Fresh Cut Flowers Last

The gift of flowers is often immeasurable, depending on the occasion, here are a few tips to ensure the longest flower life possible so that you can continue enjoying your thoughtfully purchased flowers.

  1. The first thing you want to do after receiving your beautiful fresh cut bouquet of flowers, is find the perfect vase. Tall flowers like gladiolas, delphiniums, and tulips use a taller, slimmer vase. Short flowers like lilacs, peonies, use a smaller stockier vase.
  2. The most common cause of deterioration of flowers is the bacterium that lingers in the vases; ensure your vase is clean. Fill it with fresh clean water, and add the floral food provided by the florist.
  3. Cut off excessive leaves and greenery which will just absorb the water and nutrients that you want to go to your flowers. Cut any of the leaves lower down the stem which are submerged under water, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  4. Next, cut the bottom of the stems on an angle (about 45 degrees) to open the flower stems up to receive the water and nutrients. Criss-cross the stems while placing them in the vase to create a fuller look.
  5. Never place your flowers in bright or overheated areas in your home, this encourages bacteria to breed, contributing to excess water loss.
  6. Replace the water in the vase with fresh clean water every 2-3 days
Enjoy your flowers!

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