How To: Keep Flowers Fresh Longer

What’s more inviting than the sight and smell of fresh flowers in your home? This video shows how to keep them blooming longer.

Follow These Five Easy Steps

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1Add flower food to a vase and fill with water

The flower food packet bundled with most bouquets works magic. Empty it into a vase, then add enough water to fill the vase three-quarters of the way.

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2Trim the stems at an angle

Use the scissors to cut the ends of the flowers at a 45-degree angle; this will allow more water to be absorbed.

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3Remove foliage from the lower part of the stem

Pick off any foliage that will fall below the waterline—this is prime bacteria breeding ground. Bacteria in the water shortens your flowers’ life span.

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4Arrange the flowers in the vase

Working with only a few flowers at a time, arrange them as you desire.

Tip: Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which will cause the water to evaporate more quickly and your flowers to wilt.

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5Feed and maintain flowers on a regular basis

Every few days, change water, trim stems, and add a little flower food. No flower food on hand? Substitute a solution of 1 quart warm water, the juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a few drops of bleach.

Source: http://www.realsimple.com