How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

Submitted by siteadmin on August 12, 2009 - 11:04am.

All containers should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Always wash each container before placing flowers in it. Bacterial growths in dirty containers can make cut flowers wilt.
Use a sharp knife or sharp pruning shears to cut the flower stems. Cut the stems on a slant.
All foliage which might be under the water should be removed. Foliage under the water decays qucikly and wilts cut flowers.
Always place the stems of flowers in water at 110 degrees F (bath temperature). Allow the water to cool naturally. Hot water tends to move faster in the stem of than cold water.
After placing flowers in hot water, wrap a piece of paper loosely around the flowers. The paper tends to prevent rapid air movement over them and reduces water loss from them. Two hours later remove the paper and the flowers will continue to take up water.
Some commercial flower foods added to the water make cut flowers last longer.
Keep flowers at a temperature of 30 to 35 degree F.
Flowers at these temperatures will last several weeks.
Place flowers in a refrigerator at night.
Never place flowers on a radiator or in a draft.
Warm air removes water from flowers.