What is the best way to keep cut flowers from wilting?

Question

I love having flowers in the house, but they seem to only last for a couple days. What can I do or add to the water to keep them from wilting so quickly?

Answer 1

Not all flowers will last for a long time. Some will last for 2 weeks, while others for only a couple of days. Cut flowers in the early morning. Carry a bucket of tepid water with you and immediately emerse them in the water. There are many so called things to add that may help them last longer. Asprin, a clear soda like sprite, but just a little, teaspoon of sugar etc. Always cut the stem again at an angle to expose the most area for absorbing water. Keeping them out of the sunlight, and away from any heat will also help. If you bring them home from a florist in the evening, can put them in fresh water and then into the refrig. overnite. This works to if you are having something special the next day. Carnations and daisy like flowers will last a long time. Change water daily. Roses, not quite so long.

Answer 2

A couple steps that have worked for me. When you first get the flowers don't just dump them in a vase. First trim the ends and soak them in a separate container for about 20 min. Then in the vase you want to use add plant food and your water. Stick your flowers in there. Remember to trim the stems and changet eh water every few days. I've gotten roses to last me two weeks using this technique, and mixed flowers about a week or more.

Answer 3

When you trim the ends (don't forget to do this!) do so at a sharp angle; this allows the ends to suck up more water. Check the water level in your vase every couple days. And for some flowers (particularly roses) a splash of Sprite in the water will help keep them fresh.

Answer 4

Keep them cool. Keep away from heat sources. Buy them fresh. If they're old they'll wilt faster. I've read aspirin doesn't work. Just use fresh clean water and change it. Then cut the end of the stems regularly.

Answer 5

I like to use the fresh cut flower food that you get in the little packets. I think the last time that I purchased this product was at Wal-mart, however I can not remember the name. I was really amazed how long they lasted. My mother-in-law swears by sprite mixed in with the water in your vase but I don't know how much she uses or if it really works. Good luck.

Answer 6

Perhaps not the best but the cheapest.
Immediately after cutting them immerse the cut stems in boiling water for a very short time. Then keep the cut ends damp Preferably in water. They should last several days.

Answer 7

Try aspirin. put one in the vase prior to water. Or there is a product Root Tone which is a Vitamin E. Aspirin is cheaper. Does help. Make a fresh angle cut on each stem when placing in vase.