Long Live the Flowers

Most recent answer: 10/22/2007

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)