Tips of Caring for Fresh Flowers

Many think that when they receive fresh flowers, they will only last for a couple of days. Actually, fresh flowers can last between one and two weeks. Properly caring for fresh flowers can help them last longer and enable them to blossom and become even more beautiful. This is possible because fresh flowers are often cut before they reach their blooming potential. They need energy to continue to open though, and plain water will not give them the energy they need. Flower preservative, or flower food, has three main components; sugar which provides energy, citric acid which lowers the pH, and a biocide which reduces bacteria growth. If flower food is not available, there are a couple of alternatives. Lemon-lime soft drinks or mouthwash can be used. These need to be diluted with water and should only be used if flower food is not available.

When you get fresh flowers, you will want to fill a vase with warm water and the little flower food packet that came with. It may not seem like that little packet will make much difference, but it will be the difference from your flowers wilting in two days without having opened up or lasting over a week and having your flowers open up. Warm water will allow the flowers to absorb more water faster and will enable the flowers to open up which cold water will not do.

Another important thing to do before putting your fresh flowers in water is to re-cut the stems. the stems will have closed up during transport and in order for them to get water, they need to be cut and opened up. A sharp knife or flower clippers are necessary to make a clean cut that will not smash the xylem and allow water into the flower.



For more tips on caring for fresh flower arrangements, go to 1-800-FLORALS
and then go to the Floral Care and Giving section. How to care for fresh arrangements is found under Flower care and meanings.