Two
of the top questions Americans ask when purchasing flowers are
"How do I take care of them?" and "How long will they last?"
Whether it's a single bud, a small bunch or an abundant
arrangement, a little extra care can make a big difference.
Most floral arrangements last between 4-7 days, depending on the
types of flowers used and the type of care they receive. The
Society of American Florists suggests these tips for
longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:
For floral arrangements:
Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing
a flower food provided by your florist.
If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely.
If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a
sharp knife.
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, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
For loose bunches or boxed flowers:
If you can't get your flowers in a flower food solution right
away, keep them in a cool place.
Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food
obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on
the package.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water
will promote bacterial growth.
Re-cut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater -- this
allows the stems to draw in water instead of air -- and 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 in warm water
containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.
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