WASHINGTON — With Valentine's Day here and spring just around the corner, many homes will start to fill with fresh-cut flowers.
Here are three effortless ways to keep your flowers looking fresher longer:
Cut Them
When you get a new bouquet of flowers it is important to cut the stems. The best practice is to cut the stems under running water and immediately place them into a clean vase filled with room temperature water. Cutting the flowers underwater will help to prevent any air from sneaking into the stem, which makes it more difficult for the flowers to soak up the moisture.
Water Them
Clean water is essential for long-lasting flowers. Bacteria inside of a vase will cause petals to wilt quickly. Wash out your vase with soap and warm water before each use. Enhancing the water with things like flower food, vinegar and vodka can help keep your bouquet looking beautiful longer. According to Pro Flowers, the best flower-fueling concoction you can make at home uses one part soda mixed with three parts water. Don’t forget to change the water every two to three days.
Cool Them
Store your flowers in a cool place to keep them alive longer. Warm locations increase the metabolic rate of flowers. Simply put, warmth equals wilt. If you store your flowers in the fridge, be sure you do not leave them next to fruit. The Washington Post writes that the gases that a piece of fruit emits to help it ripen, will also ripen your flowers.
Well, there you have it! You should be good to go with keeping your flowers fresh for days after love day.