Making the most out of your fresh cut flowers

Your cut flowers will stay beautiful and last for several days if you take proper care of them.  Here are some simple tips which will allow you to enjoy them for as long as possible.

-        Prepare your vase: thoroughly clean it before you put any flowers in it.  Bacteria are the enemy and will drastically shorten your flowers' lifespan.

-        Fill your vase to about 1/3 full.  Using 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water will help prevent bacterial growth.

-        Remove any foliage that will be below the waterline.

-        Cut at least one inch off the stems.  Trim flowers with a sharp(!) knife or scissors at a 45 degree angle.  This will allow the most intake of water.  If possible, cut the stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from impeding water intake.

-        Keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight, and away from heat and drafts.  Remove any dead blooms as quickly as possible; they emit ethylene gas which will cause healthy blooms to wilt.

-        Change the water every day.