| About
Flowers |
Flower Care
How to: Make your arrangement last
longer.
How to: Tips for Healthy Plants.
More than Pretty: Unlock the hidden meanings behind flowers.
What is This: Our gallery of flower names and photos.
How to: Make your arrangement last longer.
Two of the top questions Americans ask when purchasing flowers
are "How do I take care of them?" and "How
long will they last? |
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From a single bud, to a small bunch to
an abundant arrangement, just a little extra care can
make a big difference. Most floral arrangements last from
4 to 7 days, depending on the types of flowers used and
the type of care they receive. Here's some specific tips
to keep your flowers looking beautiful:
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| For floral arrangements... Keep
the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing
a flower food. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy,
replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing
one to two inches with a sharp knife. Use warm water when
adding water to the vase or refilling it. |
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Keep flowers in a cool spot
(65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight.
Avoid heating or cooling vents, areas directly under ceiling
fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. Appliances
such as televisions and radiators give off heat, causing
the flowers to quickly dehydrate.
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For boxed flowers or loose
wrapped bunches... If you can't get your flowers into a
water and flower food solution right away, keep them in
a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add
the flower food, following the directions on the package.
For all arrangements... Remove any leaves
that will be below the waterline. Leaves in the water will
promote bacterial growth, causing the flowers to wilt quickly.
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| Recut stems with a sharp knife.
Do this underwater, in warm water. This allows the stems to
draw in water instead of air. Then place the flowers in the
vase solution you've prepared. When using woody stems and
branches (such as forsythia, quince or lilac), cut the stem
with sharp pruning shears. |
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