Does Vinegar or Sugar Prolong the Life of Cut Flowers?

Caring properly for cut flowers can prolong their lifespan.

Store-bought cut flowers sometimes come with preservatives that can be added to prolong their lives. If they come without a preservative, however, you can make your own. Sugar and vinegar can be used to help extend the life of your flowers.

Function

Sugar added to water provides flowers additional food to help keep them looking healthy and colorful. Sugar also can fuel bacteria growth, so it must always be added in conjunction with an acidifier and a germicide. Added alone, sugar will shorten the life of your flowers by stimulating the growth of bacteria.

Formula

When adding sugar, mix 2 tsp. per liter of water and add 1 tsp. of vinegar for acidity. Add another 1/4 tsp. of a 4 percent bleach or 1 tsp. of a 1 percent bleach. The bleach will act as a germicide to kill or thwart bacteria.

Function of Vinegar

Vinegar helps prevent the sugar solution from becoming too sticky for the flowers to take it up readily. Commercial preservatives generally contain sugar and a germicide, but additional vinegar, sugar and bleach can be added to further extend the freshness of cut flowers.

References

• Caring for Cut Flowers: Flower Food