How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh

Nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up a dull room and bring some life into a house! Though we have almost-real looking artificial flowers available in the market, in large varieties, they can never ever replace the charm and beauty of real flowers. However, flowers can be quite difficult to maintain, especially if you want to keep them fresh naturally. If you are one of those who are in love with beautiful creation of nature, but do not known have to preserve them, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you all about preserving fresh cut flowers naturally.

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh

Items Needed

Fresh Flowers
Vase
Water
Bypass Pruners

Method

The first way to ensure that the flowers remain fresh is to make use of the freshest flowers you can lay your hands on. For example - if you are taking the flowers from your own garden, make sure that you use them in the morning, after the dew has dried completely.
The second thing to keep in mind is the condition of the flowers. Make sure to pick those flowers that have a few unopened petals and sparkly leaves. Wilting and browning blossoms should be totally avoided.
After plucking or picking the flowers, put them in water as soon as possible. The longer you take in putting them in water, the earlier they will start wilting.
Remember to pick the right-sized vase for the flowers, depending upon their quantity. The flowers should never ever look crowded inside a vase and should have sufficient space to breathe. .
Pour water into the vase, making sure not to fill it completely. This is because if the flower stems remain submerged in water, they start decaying. The ideal way is to fill the vase with three inches of lukewarm water.
Now is the time to trim the stems of the flowers. All the leaves that will fall below the waterline should be removed. Otherwise, there will be growth of bacteria in the water, which will obstruct water consumption by plants.
Place each and every flower under running water and cut one inch of the stem, at 45-degree angle. Make use of a sharp knife or pruners. No household scissors please.
Without waiting for even a single second, put the cut flowers into the vase, filled with water.
Place the vase in such a place where the sunlight does not fall directly on it. At the same time, don’t even keep it in a dark place altogether. Only direct sunrays have to be avoided.
Never ever keep fresh flowers in the vicinity of ripening fruits. The latter emit a gas, called ethylene, which accelerates the deterioration process of the flowers.
Now is the time for maintenance. Trim off 1/4 inch of the stem of the flowers, at a 45 degree angle and under running water, every other day. Along with the pruning, also change the water of the vase.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'