How To

How to Preserve Fresh Cut Flowers

Member
By skecanj
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Flowers in a Vase
Flowers in a Vase

Make your fresh cut flowers last longer by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Water, preferably distilled
  • Vase or other container
  • Sharp Knife or pruning shears
  • Commercial flower food - OR -
  • 1 C. water
  • 1 C. 7-Up
  • 1/2 tsp. bleach
  1. Step 1

    Cut fresh-cut flowers on a slant with a sharp knife or pruning shear under running water. Cut any leaves that will end up under water in the vase. Leave rose thorns on. Plunge flowers immediately into a vase that is pre-filled with lukewarm water. Use cold water for daffodils, tulips, and other bulb flowers.

  2. Step 2

    Before arranging your fresh-cut flowers, take them in the vase and put the flowers in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will lengthen their life.

  3. Step 3

    Change the water of your fresh-cut flowers every day or two. Before putting them back into the vase, cut the stems again under running water.

  4. Step 4

    Keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight. At night, put them in the refrigerator to prolong their life.

  5. Step 5

    Add food to your fresh-cut flowers for an even longer life. Use one of these two methods:

    1) Commercial flower food (easiest)
    2) 1/2 C. water, 1/2 C. 7-Up, 1/2 tsp. bleach (cheapest)

Tips & Warnings
  • Daffodil stems contain toxins that will kill your other fresh flowers. Give them their own vase.

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