Preserving Flowers

I just wanted to share with you a picture of some spray roses that I purchased from Publix for $3.49 and how I preserve them.

I know that they usually come with a packet of preserver but I like to be unconventional, besides, you may not know these tricks and could use them when cutting from your own garden.

On Sundays, which is our grocery shopping day, we purchase a bouquet of flowers to display on our dining table. 

We usually buy hydrangeas but they didn't have any in the store so we bought some spray roses instead. 

While flipping through the add I noticed these were on sale and had to have them. They're gorgeous aren't they?

I think this week I will have to purchase a few more bouquets just to place around the house. 

Here is a few ways that you can keep your flowers looking fresher, longer!

Aspirin

It's a tried-and-true way to keep roses and other cut flowers fresh, longer: Crush an aspirin and place in the water before adding your flowers. There are many other ways that you can preserve your flowers with things you already have in your home, including: a multivitamin, a teaspoon of sugar, a pinch of salt and baking soda, even a copper penny. Also, don't forget to change the water every few days.

Bleach

Freshly cut flowers will stay fresh longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart (1 liter) of water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 quart (1 liter) water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Coins

Posies and other cut flowers will stay fresh longer if you add a copper penny and a cube of sugar to the vase water.

Hair Spray

Much like preserving your hairstyle, a spritz of hair spray can preserve your cut flowers. Stand about a foot away from the bouquet and give them a quick spray on the undersides of the leaves and petals.

Sugar

Dissolve 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per quart (liter) of warm water. When you fill the vase, make sure the cut stems are covered by 3-4 inches (7-10 centimeters) of the prepared water. The sugar nourishes the plants, while the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth. You’ll be surprised how long the arrangement stays fresh!

Vinegar

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar with the vase water before adding the flowers. Be sure to change the water (with more vinegar and sugar, of course) every few days to enhance your flowers’ longevity.

Vodka

My secret to keeping cut flowers looking good as long as possible and minimize the growth of bacteria in the water is to add a few drops of vodka to the vase water for antibacterial action along with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Change the water every other day, refresh the vodka and sugar each time.

I hope you find these tips to be useful. Im an open book and will share any information I have with you about cutting and preserving flowers. 

If you know of any way that was not mentioned above, to preserve flowers, please share!