Head Vase

Head Vase

I think even a few blooms stuffed in an old glass or jam jar can do wonders for the soul -- though obviously I would not say no to the odd bouquet should anyone feel like treating me. Flowers brighten the place up a bit and makes the house look a bit more cared for. In the summer, there is usually something in the garden I can use. And sometimes I treat myself to a small bunch from the supermarket. But how can I make them last more than a few days?

A nice clean home

 

I mean their home, not yours! Bacteria will kill your flowers so the first thing to remember is to make sure that the vase you're planning to use is really clean. You do not need to use bleach. Hot soapy water will be just fine -- but remember to rinse it well.

 

Keep well trimmed

 

Trim 2-3 cm (about an inch) from the bottom of each stem to help the stem draw up as much water as possible. Use a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp knife and cut at an angle of about 45 degrees to increase the surface area of the stem. If your flowers are roses or carnations, it is important to trim the stems under water and get them into your water-filled vase as soon as possible -- but this is not essential for other flowers.

 

It is important to trim 1-2 cm (about ½ in) from the stems again every couple of days.

 

If the stems are woody, like rose stems, it may also help to crush the end of the stems with a mallet or something similar.

Groom those leaves

Remove some of the outer leaves and all the leaves that will be completely submerged when your plants are in water. This will help stop the growth of bacteria which will harm your flowers.

 

A nice cool drink

 

If your flowers are daffodils, tulips or other bulb plants, fill your vase with cold water. But remember that most other flowers prefer their water lukewarm.

 

Remember to change the water every day or at least every other day as this is the single most important thing you can do to help your flowers live longer.

A well-balanced diet

There is lots of advice around about putting soluble aspirins, sugar, salt, vinegar, bleach, copper coins and even mouthwash or lemonade into your vase water to make your plants live longer. The idea is that they will help kill bacteria and provide nutrients.

 

But most experts agree that these ideas don't really work. You will be far better off buying a commercial preparation of cut flower food from your local florist or garden center.

 

But if you really want to give it a go, try adding a teaspoon of vinegar, 2 teaspoons of sugar and a half-teaspoon of bleach to a liter (1¾ pints) of water. Be really careful when adding the bleach as too much will kill your flowers rather than help them to survive. 

Not too hot or windy thank you

 

Your flowers will last much longer if you keep them somewhere cool. So do not put them in direct sunlight or near anything that produces heat -- including television sets and computers.

Cut flowers do not like drafts either, so keep them away from drafty window sills.

 

Who's loving who?

 

Like some humans, some plants just don't get along. Daffodils and tulips can look terrific together. But unfortunately daffodil sap is poisonous to tulips so always keep them separate.

Do not put your flowers near your fruit bowl either as fruits give off gases that make flowers age more quickly (don't worry; it doesn't have the same effect on humans thank goodness).

First Aid

If your roses are hanging their heads, submerge the entire flower in lukewarm water for a bit -- and keep your fingers crossed. Sometimes this really helps to revive them.

 

If your tulips are floppy (particularly annoying as it is not always obvious when you buy them), wrap them tightly in several sheets of wet newspaper and put them in a few inches of water for an hour or two. Then prick them through the stem, just below the flower head.

Fiona Katherine Goble
Website: http://www.getacleanhome.com
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