How to Keep Fresh-Cut Flowers

You can use fresh-cut flowers for dinner table arrangements, parties or general decorating. It is possible to preserve the beauty of your fresh-cut flowers by properly preparing your vase and blooms.

Things You'll Need

• Flower vase
• Water
• Copper penny
• 1 regular strength aspirin
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Place flowers in the refrigerator.

2. Select a vase to arrange and display the fresh-cut flowers. Flowers should stand several inches above the rim of the vase.

3. Fill the vase half-full with warm tap water. Drop a copper penny and one regular strength aspirin into the vase or open the flower preservative package from the fresh-cut flowers and pour into the water.

4. Stir well for one minute until the aspirin or the fresh-cut flower preservative package contents are dissolved.

5. Pinch off all wilted or dead leaves and blooms from the fresh-cut flowers. Lay one flower on the cutting board. At a 45-degree angle, cut off 3/4 to 1 inch from the bottom of the flower stem.

6. Place the flower in the vase of water. Remove any leaves that are underwater.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the fresh-cut flowers are arranged in the vase.

Tips & Warnings

• Store flowers in refrigerator when not on display for enjoyment.

• No leaves should be in the water of the flower vase. Do not remove thorns from roses.

References

• 8 Ways to Keep Flowers Fresh Longer
• How to Preserve Fresh Cut Flowers Naturally