How do I Keep Fresh Flowers Fresh at a Science Fair?

Flowers can be kept fresh all day with pennies, asprin and fresh water.

Most florists give away packets of plant food when you buy fresh flowers. These packets are designed to kill bacteria, yeasts and fungi that would cause the plant to wilt faster. However, if you don't have one of these packets, there are substitutes you can use to achieve the same effect and keep your flowers fresh through the science fair.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Penny
• Aspirin
• Lemon juice or vinegar

Instructions

Keeping Flowers Fresh

1. With a knife, cut the stems of the flowers off at an angle. This creates more cut surface area for nutrients to be absorbed from the water.

2. Remove all the leaves, stems and flowers that will fall below the water line. This will prevent them from rotting in the water.

3. Fill the container or vase with very cold water. Warm water can wilt the flowers. Check the temperature of the water during the science fair, and change it if it turns warm or hot. Only about 6 inches of water is needed for the flowers.

4. Place a penny in the water to control yeasts and fungus, an aspirin tablet in the water to kill bacteria and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to keep the acid content of the water up. These products will replace the packet of plant food a florist will give you.

References

• Care2: How to Keep Your Fresh Cut Flowers Fresh
• Home and Garden: 8 Ways to Make Your Flowers Last Longer