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Tricks to keep floral arrangements fresh
OWho doesn ’ t enjoy receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers on a special occasion ? Flowers traditionally are given for Valentine ’ s Day , Mother ’ s Day , anniversaries , and other special events . While a beautiful bouquet can make a lovely gift , fresh flowers have finite lasting power .
Recipients of floral arrangements need not fret . Various strategies can help prolong the life of freshly cut flowers . Florists employ certain tricks to keep cut flowers fresh longer . In fact , that ’ s a person ’ s best bet to keep cut flowers fresh — purchasing arrangements from knowledgeable florists who have done their part to ensure flower longevity .
Here are some additional strategies to consider .
Photo by heather bozman from Pexels
Make fresh cuts in stems Think back to the last time you purchased a fresh Christmas tree . What is the key to ensuring it gets enough water while on display ? You guessed it : making a fresh cut in the trunk of the tree . The same concept applies to floral arrangements . Use a sharp scissor or pruning shears to cut about one inch from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle . Continue this process every three days or so . The 45-degree angle prevents the stem from squishing during the cut and enables it to absorb more water .
Get them in water quickly
Place the flowers in a vase or other vessel with water promptly after making the cuts . Some florists like to cut the stems under water to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems . Choose an arrangement first , then cut and place the flowers in water quickly . This gives fresh arrangements a good chance to last awhile .
Monitor water temperature
The temperature of the water in the vase should coordinate with the flowers on display . Do not use hot water or the stems will cook . Room temperature is best for most flowers , except for blooms from bulbs that flower during cooler months , such as tulips and daffodils . They ’ ll be more likely to thrive in cooler water , according to Consumer Reports .
Chill your arrangement
The experts at FTD by Design tested various theories for keeping floral arrangements fresh , including adding aspirin to the water or using sugar or concoctions that contain vodka . Sugar and vinegar served as a runner-up for long-lasting blooms , but the best solution for prolonging the flowers was putting the arrangement in the refrigerator each night for roughly eight hours .
These steps can add life to cut flowers , helping arrangements thrive in any home .
Prune the foliage Before placing cut flowers in a vase , remove extra leaves at the base of the stems that will fall underneath the water line . This helps to limit bacteria growth in the water and cuts back on foul odors . Plus , removing foliage focuses flowers ’ energy on the main blooms rather than the leaves .
36 Winter 2022 Thomasville Scene