Flower Care
How to Lengthen the Life of Your
Arrangement
A little extra care can
make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet.
Most floral arrangements
last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they
receive.
For floral arrangements:
- Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with
water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make
flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on
the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or
a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than
is specified on the packet.
- If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace
it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut
stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a
sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place
the stems into solution.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit),
away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under
ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like
televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most
flowers will last longer under cool conditions.
For loose bunches or boxed flowers:
- Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get
them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow
the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
- Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or
antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower
food from your florist.
- Remove leaves that will be below the waterline.
Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit
water uptake by the flower.
- Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a
sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
- If you purchase loose flowers for your own
arrangements you should also consider these tips:
- When selecting flowers, look
for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow,
spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
- When using woody stems
and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with
sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower
food to promote flower opening.
