How to Make Flowers Last Longer

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or “just because,” everyone loves getting flowers from time to time. The only problem with many floral arrangements is that they don’t last very long—many start to wilt in just a matter of days.

Thankfully, there are a few tricks florists know to make flowers last longer in San Francisco, CA. Keep reading to learn a few of our favorite tips:

  • Sugar and vinegar: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of warm water. The sugar will nourish the plants, while the vinegar prevents bacterial growth. Be sure that the prepared water covers at least 3 inches of the cut stems.
  • Sugar and apple cider vinegar: If you only have apple cider vinegar on hand, use that instead to make your flowers last longer. Two tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Just be sure to change the treated water every few days.
  • Soda: Pour 1/4 cup of non-diet soda into your vase. The sugar in the soda will create long-lasting flowers in San Francisco, CA by making the blossoms last longer. Clear sodas, like Sprite or 7 Up, are recommended for this technique, as they won’t make the water look cloudy.
  • Hairspray: A can of hairspray is great for your hairdo and your flowers. A quick spray on the undersides of the leaves and petals will keep your flowers looking perky for a few more days, especially when combined with our other treatments.
  • Vodka: Just a few drops of vodka and 1 teaspoon of sugar also work to ensure long-lasting flowers in San Francisco, CA. Just like the vinegar and sugar, this technique inhibits bacterial growth and provides a bit of nourishment to the flowers. Change the water every other day for best results.
  • Aspirin: Aspirin is excellent at curing your aches and pains—and it can also be used on those wilting flowers. Placing crushed Aspirin in the water and changing the water every few days is an easy way to ensure your flowers look great for a few extra days.
  • Bleach: At first thought, bleach and flowers don’t mix—but that’s not the case! Mix 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart of vase water to prevent bacteria growth and to keep the water from getting cloudy.
  • Pennies: If you have an extra penny lying around the house, pop it in your vase water with a cube of sugar. The copper acts as an acidifier, while the sugar provides some extra nourishment that the flowers wouldn’t get elsewhere. Just be sure to use a dark vase to hide the penny sitting at the bottom.

Get your arrangements from us

When you buy your floral arrangements from The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers, you’re sure to get long-lasting flowers that your recipients will simply love. Give us a call today to place your order or to learn a bit more about how to make flowers last longer in San Francisco, CA.

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