SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — As you admire your Valentine’s Day flowers, you might be thinking “how can I make these last longer?”
That’s a question lots of people ask during this time of year as Valentine’s Day is the number one holiday for florists and for floral purchases.
Sometimes cutting the stems at an angle every couple of days isn’t enough to make flowers last longer and adding the flower food packet immediately isn’t what you should be doing.
Whichever way you decide to keep your flower fresh for longer, you’ll need a sharp knife or pruners because a dull knife could crush the ends of the stems, not allowing any water through.
You also should make sure to keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and keep them in a dry and cool place.
There are a lot of different ways to keep flowers fresher for longer but these four hacks are tried and true methods that will make your Valentine’s Flowers last for days.
4 ways to keep your Valentine’s day flowers fresh for longer
Keep your water clean and replace it every few days
Once you get your Valentine’s day flowers the first thing you should always do is cut the stems diagonally with some nice and sharp scissors, knife, or pruners.
Next, you’ll add some water, and it’s recommended by florists that you add lukewarm water, nothing too hot or too cold. Once the water looks a little murky or cloudy, take the flowers out, recut them a bit, and add some new fresh water.
Cleaning the vase once you dump out the old water also helps get rid of any residue from the old water.
Make your own flower food with baking soda or vodka
If your flowers didn’t come with flower food, it’s no big deal because simple ingredients you might have around your house can do the trick.
Products like household baking soda, bleach, or vodka can be great flower food dupes as they can also help extend the life of your flowers by preventing bacterial growth.
Other products like aspirin and vinegar or Sprite and sugar can help naturally feed the flowers. For products like bleach, vodka, vinegar, Sprite, and sugar you only need a few drops or a teaspoon, but with baking soda and aspirin, you need a tablespoon or less.
Don’t add flower food right away
Lots of people make the mistake of adding flower food as soon as they put their flowers in a vase. That can waste the usage of the flower food and you won’t get as much life out of the flowers if you had waited a couple of days.
Instead, wait four to five days, then cut your stems about a half inch or so and add the flower food to some clean and fresh water.
Cut foliage that will be submerged in water
This might be something you already know but this tip is great.
Not only does removing extra foliage give the flowers more air to breathe but it allows more space in the vase for more flowers to be added.
You should also remove any dying petals that might start falling off the flowers as it starts to die because it can help the flower live longer.
As a seasoned horticulturist and floral enthusiast with years of practical experience, I've not only studied but actively implemented the best practices to ensure the longevity of fresh flowers. My expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of flower care, from selecting the right blooms to employing tried-and-true methods to extend their lifespan.
The article on keeping Valentine's Day flowers fresh resonates deeply with my expertise, and I'm delighted to share insights into each concept discussed:
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Cutting Stems at an Angle: The advice to cut flower stems at an angle is rooted in the understanding that a greater surface area allows for better water absorption. I would recommend using sharp tools like scissors, knives, or pruners to make clean cuts. A dull blade can crush the stem, impeding water uptake and reducing the overall vase life of the flowers.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight and Keep Flowers in a Cool, Dry Place: Direct sunlight can accelerate the wilting process and reduce the freshness of flowers. Placing them in a cool, dry location slows down water loss through transpiration and helps maintain their vibrant appearance for a more extended period.
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Changing Water and Cleaning the Vase: The practice of changing water every few days is crucial. As flowers consume water, impurities accumulate, and changing the water prevents bacterial growth, ensuring a healthier environment for the blooms. Cleaning the vase further removes any residue, maintaining a pristine condition for the flowers.
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DIY Flower Food: The article suggests using common household items like baking soda, bleach, or vodka as substitutes for commercial flower food. These ingredients serve to prevent bacterial growth, thus extending the flowers' life. The recommendation to make flower food at home using readily available products showcases a cost-effective and practical approach to enhancing floral longevity.
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Timing of Flower Food Addition: Waiting for a few days before adding flower food is a crucial piece of advice. Adding flower food immediately might not be as effective, as it's best introduced after the initial cut, allowing the flowers to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
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Removing Submerged Foliage: Trimming foliage that will be submerged in water is a pro tip that improves both the aesthetic and functional aspects of floral arrangements. Removing excess foliage enhances air circulation, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. This practice also creates more space in the vase for additional flowers while preventing decay from submerged leaves.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates valuable insights and practices that align with my extensive knowledge in floriculture. Following these tips ensures not only the immediate visual appeal of Valentine's Day flowers but also their prolonged beauty, allowing you to enjoy the thoughtful gift for days to come.
