Prolong fresh flowers

Q. What’s the best way to keep cut flowers fresh?

Thresea from Youngstown

A. Valentine’s Day is upon us, so it’s time to leave some subtle hints if you want fresh flowers to arrive on the big day. Once the flowers arrive, we get lots of questions about how to keep them beautiful for as long as possible — especially during these winter months.

The first and easiest thing to do is to get the flowers in water immediately if they are not in a vase. Prepare the vase by cleaning and filling with warm (not hot) water. Use the length of the stems to determine the water level, making sure no leaves will be under water. Cut the stems of everything in the arrangement about Ω inch or more above the current end. Just as soon as you make the new cut, get the stems under water.

I hear many people talking about “home remedies” they make for their cut flowers. From aspirin to sugar and a drop of bleach, they all seem practical. But none of them work. Use the floral preservative that comes with your flowers, as your home concoction will most likely do more harm than good. Personally, I divide the floral preservative in half, using half at first and the other half when I change the water. More importantly, a thoroughly cleaned vase will go a long way in prolonging the life of your flowers.

The best thing you can do for cut flowers after you have them in water is to change the water every 1-2 days. When you do, use a new vase. Then clean the previous vase to reduce the impact of any pathogens on your flowers. Cutting a small amount from the end of the stem every couple days can also encourage better water uptake, extending their beauty.

Keep fresh flowers from drafts from windows, doors and even furnace vents. Keeping them cooler than the usual 70 degrees in your house will extend their life. Just think about all of those flowers at the florist sitting in the cooler. That must be a hint at how to extend life.

To learn more about caring for cut flowers and live plants you receive this Valentine’s Day, go to: http://go.osu.edu/fresh

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Clinic hours vary this time of year due to the winter season.