Everyone loves to have real flowers in their home. The smell and beauty are second to none. Fresh cut flowers from the garden or florist can last longer if you apply these simple tips for helping the flowers stay beautiful and fresh.
If you are cutting fresh flowers from your own garden, the best time of day is in the evening or early in the morning. Flowers cut during the hottest part of the day tend to dry out quickly and will not last as long. Have a vase of warm water with you to place the flowers in immediately after you cut them.
Always use a sharp edge when cutting fresh flowers. Clean cuts at a 45 degree angle will let the flowers receive more benefit from the water and last longer. For optimum life, re-cut the stem of the flowers every couple of days removing the part which has been in the water the longest. Try to cut the stems under water so less air comes in contact with the flower stem.
Remove flowers or buds from your cut flower arrangement that have dried up and keep any greenery above the water line. Remove foliage that is below the water line. Cut flowers are susceptible to bacteria from the standing water in vases, so be sure to keep the water clean and the vase washed out periodically. Arrange your cut flowers so air is allowed to move in between them. Keep overcrowding to a minimum. Cut flowers love fresh cool air so place your vase in an area where your display can receive both along with a little sunshine.
Simple tips for cutting fresh flowers can help you have a beautiful display longer than normal. Proper cutting and care will let the flowers show a long time bringing interest and grace to your interior living areas.
Summary:
Caring for fresh cut flowers is easy. Before you begin, carry a vase of warm water to place the flowers in right after cutting them. Try to cut them underwater so the stem has less contact with air. You can get longer life from them by cutting the stems at a 45 degree angle. Remove any leaves from below the water line so they will not rot and decay the water. Keep the water clean and the vase washed out from time to time.
