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Q:
Does sugar prolong the life of fresh cut flowers?
- Theresa
Oaktree, Goodrich, MI
A:
Theresa -
Sugar in the water of fresh cut flowers does not significantly
prolong their life. In a similar vein, neither do lemon-lime sodas
(7Up, etc.), copper pennies, etc. The best way to prolong the life of
fresh cut flowers is this: upon receiving them, cut their stems at an
angle under water. Doing this cutting under water helps to prevent the
formation of air bubbles that may block the water-carrying vessels,
thus shortening the lives of the flowers. Immediately place the flowers
into a clean vase of water. Repeating this process daily wouldn't be a
bad idea, either. Also, keep the flowers away from fresh fruits, which
produce a volatile chemical that will cause the petals of the flowers
to fall off.
JEK
(published on 10/22/2007)
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