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A Few Moments of TLC
Can Preserve Your Floral Bouquet |
A Few Moments of TLC Can Preserve
Your Floral Bouquet
No one expects fresh flowers to stay fresh indefinitely, but with
the right care, they can retain their beauty much longer than you
might expect. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go
a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a
few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!
Keep them in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit;
18 to 22 degrees Celsius), away from direct sunlight, heating or
cooling vents, direct drafts from a ceiling fan, and the tops of
televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off
heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
If the flowers arrive in wet foam, keep the
foam soaked in water containing floral food provided by your florist.
Be sure to follow the directions on the package. For flowers arranged
in water, keep the vase filled with water containing floral food,
and again, follow the directions on the package.
If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely.
If possible, re-cut the stems by removing one to two inches with
a sharp knife.
Remove leaves that will be below the waterline,
since they will promote bacterial growth that can harm your flowers.
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| Keep Your Cut Flowers Looking
Beautiful |
When your flowers have woody stems and branches,
for example quince, forsythia, or lilac, cut the stem with sharp
pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food
to promote flower opening.
Floral food is a combination of additives that
help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing
in the water. It is one of the best-and easiest-ways to extend the
life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions
on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more
harm than good.
Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer
than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long
periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their
special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask
your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last.
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