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Cut flowers are blooms that have been carefully harvested from plants and arranged in vases or containers filled with water. They bring a touch of nature indoors and serve as stunning decorative elements for various occasions. Flowers are a beautiful and vibrant addition to any space. Whether you receive a bouquet as a gift or pick flowers from your own garden, it's always disappointing when they start to wilt and fade. However, with proper care, you can extend the lifespan of cut flowers in vases and enjoy their beauty for a longer time. Here are different techniques and tips to help you prolong the freshness of cut flowers and keep them fresh and vibrant.

Choose the right flowers

Certain flowers are known to have a longer vase life and are more resilient once they are cut. Choose flowers that are known to have a longer vase life, such as roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, and carnations. These flowers tend to have a longer vase life and are more resilient once they are cut.

Prepare a clean vase

Before placing the flowers in a vase, it is essential to clean it thoroughly. Use warm water and mild dish soap to remove any dirt or bacteria that could contaminate the water and reduce the flowers' lifespan.

Trim the stems

Trimming the stems of the flowers is a vital step in prolonging their freshness. Use a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This allows for better water absorption and prevents the ends from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can impede water intake.

Maintain the water level

Water is essential for maintaining the freshness of cut flowers. Fill the vase with clean water and ensure that the stems are fully submerged. Regularly check the water level and top it up as needed to prevent the stems from drying out. It is also important to change the water every two to three days. When changing the water, rinse the vase thoroughly to remove any bacteria or residue that may have accumulated. Refill the vase with clean fresh water.

Avoid direct sunlight and heat

Placing cut flowers in direct sunlight or near heat sources accelerates the wilting process. Keep the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. This prevents excessive evaporation and helps the flowers retain their freshness.

Use floral preservatives

Floral preservatives are substances that can be added to the water to extend the life of cut flowers. They contain ingredients like citric acid, sugar, and bleach, which help prevent bacterial growth and provide necessary nutrients to the flowers.

Add flower food

Commercial or homemade flower food packets contain a mixture of nutrients that help nourish the flowers and inhibit bacterial growth. These additives can significantly extend the lifespan of cut flowers.

Enhance humidity

Increasing the humidity around cut flowers can help slow down the wilting process. You can achieve this by placing the vase on a tray filled with water and pebbles or by using a humidifier in the room. The added moisture helps keep the flowers hydrated for a longer duration.

Remove wilting flowers

As some flowers in the arrangement start to wilt, promptly remove them from the vase. Wilting flowers produce ethylene gas, which can cause other flowers to deteriorate faster. By removing them, you prevent the gas from affecting the remaining blooms.

Refrigerate flowers

If you need to preserve cut flowers for a special occasion, consider refrigerating them. Before refrigeration, wrap the flowers loosely in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture loss. However, not all flowers are suitable for refrigeration, so research the specific requirements of the flowers you have. While we can employ various techniques to prolong the lifespan of cut flowers in vases, it's important to remember that all plants will eventually wilt. With the right care and techniques, you can extend the lifespan of cut flowers in vases and enjoy their beauty for a longer time. Read more about farming and gardening at [agriculture.com.ph](agriculture.com.ph)