Extend the Life of Cut Flowers
by Don Janssen, Extension Educator
Proper preparation and careful maintenance maximizes the vase life of any cut flower whether grown yourself or purchased at the local flower shop. Proper conditioning or hardening of flowers is critical.
Recut stems under water to prevent air bubbles from forming within the stems. Remove 2 inches from the bottom of each stem, cutting at an angle. To condition flowers, immediately immerse them in tepid water (110 degrees F) containing floral preservative almost up to the flower heads. Fuzzy foliaged plants such as dusty miller should not have their foliage submerged during conditioning. Remove the lower third of the foliage and immerse only to foliage level.
Place the containers of conditioned flowers in a cool, dark, humid location for a minimum of 2 hours. A longer period of time is preferred. After this time, flowers are ready to be arranged. When transferring from the conditioning container to the vase, recut stems underwater to the lengths needed for the arrangement.
Floral preservatives supply sugars needed for survival and growth as well as disinfectants to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water. Many florists sell several ready-made additives which disinfect the water and provide the needed sugars.
Additional hints to maximize vase life of cut flowers include keeping the vase filled with water. Check the water level frequently and avoid the use of chemically softened water. Start with clean vases and clean flower stems. Keep the arrangement out of sunlight and away from heat and drafts to minimize water loss. Keeping the arrangement in a cool location will also extend the life of arrangements. Change vase water periodically if possible. If water is changed, recut the stems before replacing in the vase.
Flower selection is the most critical step. Choose flowers that are just coming into bloom before pollen is shed. When choosing flowers at the florist, avoid soft, limp blossoms and buds, and discolored or drooping foliage. When purchasing flowers, select those with a long vase life and buy from a quality florist.
(This resource was last updated August 2006 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)
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