By Russ Phillip Jr.

What can I do to make my flowers last longer?

First it’s important to remember that some flowers naturally last longer than others, so when dealing with cut flower care, you’ll need to keep that in mind. Flowers like Carnations for example can remain fresh and vibrant for quite a bit longer than most flowers. Roses die quickly in vases, which would explain why they are so prized when they are beautifully fresh and delicate. Make sure to ask your florist how long your flowers will last when buying them. If you are growing flowers in a garden, the Internet is a wonderful source of information.

Flower essentials

The best place to keep flowers is in a cool area, around 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the flower arrangement or vase out of direct sunlight as this can help dehydrate the blossoms. Done place your arrangement on top of or near a heating element such as TVs heating radiators or the kitchen stove. Make sure to avoid leaving flowers in the car.

If the flowers come in wet floral foam

Make sure to keep the foam saturated with water mixed with the plant food provided with the arrangement. If none was provided you can buy some at any florist. Make sure you are being cautious when mixing the plant food and following the directions on the packaging.

When the flowers come arranged in water.

Make sure the vase is filled with water and plant food provided by the florist at all times. If the water in the vase becomes cloudy then run the whole arrangement under cold water, allowing it to spill over the top. Allow the water to run until the vase is no longer cloudy. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under cold water to discourage bacterial growth.

Why should I use floral food in the first place?

Floral food is a complex combination of nutrients that naturally nourish the plant. It will also help discourage harmful bacterial growth in the plant and is the absolute best way to prolong the longevity of the plant. It’s very important to pay attention to the mixing instructions on the floral food’s label to prevent improper mixing. Over saturated floral food can kill your fresh flowers quickly.

If you would like to find out more about Cut Flower Care then visit http://www.RussonFlowers.com

RussOnFlowers.com, bringing the flower shop to your home.

By Russ Phillip Jr.

Some people think the little pack of flower food or even a copper penny will extend the life of fresh flowers. Some think the temperature of the water makes all the difference. How do you keep fresh cut flowers fresh? Often time’s classical folk tips and tricks are based on good science and are typically the most effective.

Here are tried and true tips on keeping cut flowers fresh

Copper is a natural metallic preservative and acts like a fungicide to the bacteria and algae that can grow on the stems of fresh flowers while in their vases. Adding a couple of copper pennies to the vase can help keep them fresher longer.

Aspirin is a powerful acid for flowers and can kill the bacteria that spoil flowers.

Adding a couple tablespoons of lemon, orange or pineapple juice or even vinegar to a liter of a quart or two of water will also add enough acidity to the water to act as a natural preservative. This is the same reason why adding lemon juice to fresh foods will help keep their color longer and prevent browning. Make sure though if using vinegar or any other acid that you use a clear or lightly colored one. Dark balsamic and sherry vinegars might smell and taste wonderful but they are definitely not good for fresh flowers.

Here are some other basic guidelines to keep in mind with fresh cut flowers

Make sure to place the flowers in cold, not warm water. Flowers put in warm water will dehydrate.

Placing fresh cut flowers in the refrigerator overnight will lengthen their lifespan by three times.

Make sure to only add enough cold water to the vase to cover 6 inches of the stem. There is no reason to add more water and will only be harder to reduce the amount of bacteria in the vase.

Cutting the stems of your flowers every few days will make them last longer. Make a diagonal cut under water an inch about the last cut. Make sure to put them back into he water as quickly as possible.

If you would like to find out more about how to keep cut flowers fresh then visit http://www.RussonFlowers.com

RussOnFlowers.com, bringing the flower shop to your home.