Prolonging The Life Of Cut Flowers
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

Recently a friend showed me a beautiful flower arrangement she had just received. She had placed it on top of the television so she could see it while she watched her favorite show. Already the flowers were beginning to look droopy. One of the worst places to put a fresh flower arrangement or potted plant is on top of a television or in any area that is hot, in direct sunlight or in a draft. Arrangements should be placed in a bright, draft-free spot.

It is important that flowers do not wilt. Be sure the container has water in it all the time. If the arrangement is placed in a cool, draft-free spot it will lose water less rapidly and stay fresh and beautiful longer.

There are several practices that will prolong the life of cut flowers, whether they are purchased or grown in your garden. Cut flowers from your garden in the cool of the day and place in warm water (110 degrees F) which has a floral preservative in it. Floral preservatives such as Floralife, Petalife, Morlife, Roselife, Everbloom and others can greatly increase the life of cut flowers. Place the flowers in a cool area free of drafts for at least two hours so they can absorb as much water as possible. One inch should be cut off the stem of purchased flowers before they are placed in the warm water. All leaves and thorns which will be below the water level should be removed. The process of placing the flowers in warm water and then placing them in a cool area is referred to as hardening. This process allows the flowers to absorb as much water as possible.

Once the flowers are hardened off they can be arranged. Always use a clean container. Care should be taken not to bruise the flowers. Fill the container with water containing floral preservatives. Add fresh water daily.

Flowering potted plants require care also. Place them in a bright location but not in direct sunlight. Water when the soil begins to dry. This will depend on the plant and where it was growing. A cool, draft-free area will prolong the life of potted flowering plants also. Remove old flowers as they start to fade and the plant will look a lot prettier.