Cut flowers have long been used to express love, support, and communication. Since cut flowers were utilized for formal occasions in ancient Egypt, the art of flower arrangement has existed. The Romans and the Greeks also employed flowers as a means of expression in addition to herbs, frequently weaving them into wreaths and garlands. During the Han era, from 207 to 220 BC, the Chinese used cut flowers for sacred and medicinal purposes. And now, whether you’re a fan of Disney or The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, flowers stand for communication, support, and love. Cut flowers require little maintenance. Your flowers can live even longer if you give them a little additional care.
What is the shelf life of cut flowers?
Cut flowers can survive from 7 to 12 days if properly cared for. Certain flower types will endure longer than others. Longer-lasting flowers include sunflowers, roses, daisies, lilies, freesia, and carnations. Lilacs, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all known to wilt after a few days. Implementing these simple suggestions may make your cut flowers last longer.
Tips for Making Cut Flowers Last Longer
- First, clean the vase or container.
- Pick a suitable area.
- Replenish the stems
- Get rid of extra leaves.
- 2 to 3 inches of water should be added to the container.
- Insert plant food
Clean the Vase or Container: No matter what container you use to store the flowers, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and free of bacteria. Before adding the water and flowers to the container, we advise washing them with a tiny bit of bleach. But first, make sure you wash the bleach away.
Location: When deciding where to put something, pick a spot out of direct sunlight and away from draughts and heat sources like air vents. The ideal temperature for a room is often between 55 and 65 degrees.
Recut stems: Make a 45-degree angled cut at the bottom of the stems using a clean pair of scissors. It enables the flowers to absorb the maximum amount of water. Every few days, if you have the time, cut again. Cutting at an angle provides optimum water intake while preventing flower stems from sinking to the bottom.
Eliminate Leaves: Get rid of any leaves in the water. Wet leaves will rot and harbor bacteria. Repeat this procedure each time you replace the water.
Water: Pour two to three inches of water into the vase. It will lessen the likelihood of the stems decaying. Never use softened or hard water. Both of these are dangerous minerals for cutting flowers. Use a bottle of drinking water instead. Every other day, the water should be changed, and extra food should be added to the freshwater. It is recommended to use warm water (around 100 degrees) when feasible.
Feeding: The majority of bouquets include flower food for feeding. Remember to add that to the water. The feeding contributes to the blooms living up to twice as long as they usually would. You can use one tablespoon of sugar in the water instead of the flower food if you don’t have any.
