Keeping your cut flowers fresh and vibrant for as long as possible can be achieved with a few simple tricks. Here’s what you can add to your vase water to help your flowers stay fresh and prevent them from wilting quickly.

1. Flower Food

  • Commercial Flower Food: These packets contain a balanced mix of sugars, acidifiers, and antibacterial agents designed to nourish the flowers and keep the water clean. Follow the instructions on the packet for the correct dosage.

2. Sugar

  • Why It Works: Sugar provides essential nutrients to the flowers, helping to prolong their life.
  • How to Use: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in the vase water.

3. Acidifier (Lemon Juice or Vinegar)

  • Why It Works: Adding an acidifier lowers the pH of the water, making it more inhospitable to bacteria and helping the flowers absorb water more efficiently.
  • How to Use: Add a few drops of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vinegar to the vase water.

4. Bleach

  • Why It Works: Bleach helps to kill bacteria and fungi that can accumulate in the water and shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
  • How to Use: Add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water.

5. Aspirin

  • Why It Works: Aspirin is believed to lower the pH level of the water, similar to the effect of acidifiers.
  • How to Use: Crush one aspirin tablet and dissolve it in the vase water.

6. Vodka

  • Why It Works: Alcohol like vodka inhibits ethylene production, a gas that flowers emit as they age, which accelerates wilting.
  • How to Use: Add a few drops of vodka to the vase water.

Additional Tips for Longer-Lasting Flowers

  • Clean Vase: Always start with a clean vase to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Fresh Water: Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and clean.
  • Trim Stems: Trim the stems at an angle every few days to improve water uptake.
  • Remove Foliage: Remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water to prevent decay and bacterial growth.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Place your vase in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Summary

To keep your flowers fresh and vibrant for longer, you can add commercial flower food, sugar, lemon juice or vinegar, bleach, aspirin, or vodka to the vase water. Additionally, changing the water regularly, trimming the stems, and keeping the vase clean and cool will help extend the life of your beautiful bouquet.

Copy