Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer With These Six Steps

Posted on May 8, 2016 by resourcefulman

Cut flowers will fade rather quickly and die if not cared for properly. However, if you follow these six steps, you can keep them looking fresh and beautiful for much longer.

As explained in this video from YouTube’s Reactions channel , a little basic chemistry can make this bouquet look like it’s straight out of the garden, day after day. Here’s what you need to do:

Clean the vase : A little soap and water will remove any bacteria and fungus that can spoil your flowers.
Use lukewarm water : It is best to use degassed water around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill a clean vase with warm water and let it sit for a few minutes to allow any air bubbles to escape.
Feed the flowers : Add the flower food bag that came with the flowers. It has bleach to fight germs, citric acid to absorb water, and sugar to keep your flowers looking fresh .
Trim the stems : Hold the stems under running water and trim them at a 45-degree angle. This creates a wide opening for the xylem (where the flowers drink the water) and minimizes air bubbles so they don’t block the water’s path.
Keep Fruits Away : Fruits produce ethylene, which tells the plant to ripen, and this shortens the lifespan of your flowers.
Keep flowers cool : Try to keep flowers in a not too warm place. If you go out for a day or two, put the flowers in the refrigerator (away from fruits). Cold reduces the growth of microbes and the metabolic rate of your flowers, prolonging their life.