Treat yourself in these gloomy days of gray winter to a bright bouquet of cut flowers. Many people hesitate to do so because they think the flowers will only last a few days.
Actually, if treated right, most commercially grown flowers will last at least a week and many for much longer than that.
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Here are a few tips to help you get longer enjoyment from your purchased cut flowers and from those you cut from your own garden:
• If purchasing flowers, keep flowers in a cool spot until you get home from the store or market and condition them as soon as possible.
• When cutting from your own garden, do so early in the morning and bring a jar of water with you to put them in.
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• Once home, re-cut the stems under water and immediately immerse the stems in your vase or in a holding jar. Do not expose the fresh-cut stem ends to the air.
• Cut the stems, using a sharp knife or pruners, at a diagonal to allow for greater water uptake.
• Remove all foliage from the flower stems or at least remove any that will be below the water line in your vase.
• Be scrupulous in cleaning your vases. Make sure they are bacteria free.
• A few drops of bleach added to the flower water will help keep it clear andclean between water changes.
• Change the water regularly. Ideally, every day. Every 3-5 days at minimum.
• Use lukewarm water, except for tulips and daffodils for which you should use cold water for to hold back the blooms from opening fully.
• Add a flower food pack to the water. If you run out of flower food packs, use flat lemon-lime soda or a teaspoon of sugar along with a few drops of lemon.
• Keep daffodils and paperwhites out of mixed bouquets with other flowers. Narcissi cut stems emit a slime that’s toxic to other flowers
• Place your cut flower arrangements away from cold drafts, heat vents, and direct sunlight.
• Avoid placing them near ripening fruit or anything that gives off heat such as a computer or television.
• For a more modern look, try grouping your flowers in an arrangement by color or type. For example, stick with all roses or all shades of pink.
• Place your flowers where you spend the most the time and will see them often.
• Split up a large bouquet into small vases an place them in your bathrooms, at your desk, on your night stand, and by the kitchen sink.
