How to make cut flowers last

Hey all, with Valentine's Day coming soon, figured I'd pass along some tips for making cut flowers last.

This bouquet cost $4.99 from the grocery store, it's colorful and cheery and makes me smile.  And I can keep it looking lovely and new(for at least 2 weeks) by doing a few simple things.


  

grocery store bouquet

1. mix up the flower food(packet of white powder) with lukewarm water in a clean container with cover.

flower food

2. Trim all stems at least 1 inch and at an angle. 

3. Remove all leaves from cut end up about 6 inches.

  

            trimmed stems

4. Arrange the flowers in a vase and pour in 2 to 3 inches of flower food.  Don't fill it up, it's not necessary and it keeps the stems from getting slimy. 

5.  Be sure to watch water level in the vase, pull flowers out and if there's stuff in the bottom like this picture shows.  Rinse it out, trim another 1 to 2 inches off the stems and pour in 2 to 3 inches food.   

time to clean out vase

6.  Repeat the above steps and they will last a long time. 

7.  Enjoy!

macro shot

Remember that pretty vase of flowers isn't glued to the table, pick it up and move it around throughout the day(s).  It'll bring a cheery glow to dreary Winter days.  Peace