TIPS FOR FLOWER CARE

We often hear people say that flowers don't last very long, or they die too soon.  But is there any way to get your flowers to be beautiful and fresh for longer periods of time?  There is.  Here are just a few tips and suggestions you can follow to increase the longevity of your fresh flowers:

1)  Keep the water level in your vase high.  Your flowers will drink water quickly, especially at room temperatures.  Always maintain an adequate water source for your flowers.

2)  Change the water in your vase regularly.  This is one of the most important things you can do to increase the vase life of your flowers.  Simply give your flowers fresh, clean water every two or three days.  In addition to changing the water, give your flowers a fresh cut.  One to two inches above the bottom of the stem will do.  Use a sharp knife or clippers (clippers that won't crush the stem). 

3)  Mix your fresh water with flower food provided by your local florist.  It's important to follow the directions as adding too much or to little flower food is detrimental to the vase life of your flowers.  Most flower food packets say to use either a pint or quart of water. 

4)  Keep your flowers away from sources of heat.  For example heating vents or appliances such as TV's.  Areas in the home or office were there are fluctuations between warm and cool temperatures are also to be avoided. 

5)  Buy your flowers from your trusted local florist.  Floral professionals provide the best care to flowers before your purchase is made.  Florist typically keep flowers in coolers where temperatures are between 36 to 38 degrees.  This extends the vase life of your flowers dramatically.  Most grocery stores keep their flowers out at room temperature on the sales floor; this causes the flowers to lose nearly 5 to 7 days of vase life!  You wouldn't buy your fresh milk right off the sales floor?  Of course not, you pull it straight out of the cooler where it's being kept fresh.  The same is true for your local florist; they keep their flowers in the cooler keeping the flowers beautiful and fresh.

These are just a few examples for increasing the vase life of your flowers.  Follow these steps and you'll see your flowers, including roses, last 10 to 14 days or more.