Water is the Key for Persevering Flowers

A favorite gift to give someone on Valentines Day is a bouquet of flowers. There are several things that can be done to keep cut flowers fresh. Fresh flowers actually continue to grow while in a vase. So in order to keep flowers fresh, you need to consider what the flowers need to grow and stay healthy - 1) water, 2) light, and 3) food. Try to keep cut flowers in an upright position prior to being placed in vases. Handle them carefully so as not to inflict any damage to the stems.

One thing to Consider is the temperature of the water in the vase. While most flowers prefer lukewarm water, some plants, like many bulbs, do well in cold water. Change the water every couple of days; and if possible, place cut flowers in a cool location, away from any direct sunlight.

Another trick is adding a teaspoon of sugar or glycerin to a pint of water can help extend vase life by acting as a preservative. Likewise, flower food (floral preservative) from the local florist, prepared in lukewarm water, also works well. To help with water pH levels, some people add a couple tablespoons of lemon juice. Adding a teaspoon of bleach can also help reduce the growth of any bacteria that may be present. When it come to keeping cut flowers fresh, it is also important to that all shears or pruning tools are kept sharp and clean. Water buckets and vases should also be kept clean, disinfecting with chlorine bleach.

Now that you know how to keep flowers fresh longer, you can enjoy them both inside and outside your home.