How you can Extend the Life of Fresh Cut Flowers

Giving fresh flowers makes everybody feel special. Those that are given the flowers definitely feel special, but those that give flowers feel special too. Fresh flowers can help say "I love you," "Thank you," "Get well," "I'm sorry" and "You're special" in ways that language alone cannot communicate. A bouquet or vase of flowers can help express emotions. How powerful is that? The trouble is that flowers don't last.

Can you lengthen the vase-life of flowers with proper treatment? It would seem like a straightforward question. But if you look on the web there are dozens of ideas, many presented as fact. But which is accurate and which is ineffective information? Here is the solution, presented by a florist with 30 years of experience. This information is supported by both university research and first-hand knowledge.

Preserving the life of flowers begins as soon as you take delivery of them. Place the stems in water immediately. As soon as possible cut the stems back ½ inch at an angle. Use a sharp knife, not scissors or a serrated knife. This cut will eliminate air bubbles in the stem. Air bubbles can block the uptake of water. The angled cut exposes additionial stem to water to permit the flower to take in water more easily. In the meantime carefully clean the vase with a 10% bleach solution.

Water alone however is not the ideal liquid to extend the life of fresh flowers. They require more. Homespun preservative solutions run the gamut from aspirin to copper pennies to sugar to bleach. Additions include various flavors of soda, Listerine, corn syrup, lemon juice and more. Is there any truth to these options?

Fresh cut flowers need acidic water for two reasons. fresh cut flowers take up acidic water more rapidly, and acidic water slows the growth of microorganisms that could clog the stems. Several of the homemade ingredients help make the water acidic. Research has found that water with a pH of 3.5 is best

Fresh cut flowers also want carbohydrates in the form of sugars. |Several of the homespun ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup or lemon-lime soda, do provide sugar, but in widely varying quantities. Different flowers however, need varying amounts of sugar. Some like their water on the sweet side, while others not so much. So what is the solution?

The solution to all the above issues is to use the packets of floral preservative that typically is included with fresh flowers. These commercial preservatives are formulated to contain everything the flowers need. Mix the packet into warm water (100-110 degrees) according to instructions on the packet. Transfer the flowers into the warm liquid and place the vase in a cool spot. Keep the flowers away from direct sun and as cool as possible. Change the preservative liquid every other day. Snip ½ inch off the stems whenever you change the water if possible.

Article Source: http://www.newsarticlessite.com

There you have it the latest information and techniquest to extending the life of your fresh cut flowers. Never mind what other websites say. You know better now. Charles Osborne is the owner of A-Bow-K, a top florist in Tampa. A-Bow-K is a family-owned business, and has been helping express emotions in Tampa and the surrounding communities for 30 successful years.

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