do-it-yourself: making cut flowers last

Seven simple steps can ensure the longevity of your bouquet, wildflowers or snippets. I found these helpful hints from DoItYourself.com . Try them out!

Photo via Bathwater

1.  Cut flowers will last longer if the stems are prepared correctly. Preparing the stems helps them take up water quickly. To prepare stems:

•    Cut about one-half inch off the end of the stem at about a forty-five degree angle. Don't use dull scissors to cut the stems because they can crush the stem. I use the shears from the image below.
•    For best results, cut the stems underwater. Cutting them under water prevents air from getting into the veins in the stem of your flower.
•    Split all stems about one-half inch from the bottom with a knife or crush the bottom of the stem with a mallet (if the stems are woody).
•    Place the stems in deep water and leave them there for a few hours before moving them into shallower water.

Design Sponge // GrayWorksDesign  // Ashes & Milk

2. Remove all leaves from the part of the stem that is submerged under water.

3. Change the water and mist the flowers with water everyday. If it is difficult to remove the flowers from the vase, use a turkey baster to remove the water.

4. Use water that is a mixture one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water. The bleach will keep the water cleaner and kill any stench from the water.

5. A teaspoon of sugar added to the water will help renew flowers.

6. Keep the flowers out of direct sun and away from heat and drafts. Even a fan can cause flowers to wilt quicker.

7. Remove any dying flowers immediately. Dying flowers emit ethylene gas that will cause the other, healthy flowers to wilt.

Check this site for some other helpful hints of mixtures to renew your cut flowers. Happy cutting!

Top Photo via WeddingChicks.com // Design by Me

Saludos,