How can I make fresh cut flowers last longer...?

I have heard of putting sugar or baby asprins in the water. Does this really work?

How can I make fresh cut flowers last longer...?
An aspirin in vase water does nothing to extend the life of cut flowers. Now that we’ve debunked this flower arranging myth, do any of the other folk tales for keeping flowers looking fresh actually work?



Vase Water Demystified

Aspirin, vitamin pills, vinegar, and pennies are just a few of the more common folklore additives used unsuccessfully to preserve flowers. What works are ingredients that prohibit bacteria, feed the flower, and encourage water uptake. Commercial flower preservatives contain a blend of these ingredients that can extend the life of cut blooms by days. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden recommends a homemade mixture that works as well as the commercial variety. Mix 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon bleach, and 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice in a quart of warm water. Warm water is important because it’s more easily absorbed. However, cold weather blooms, such as tulips, thrive in cold vase water.



First Cut Fables

The first step to fresh-looking flowers is stripping all leaves from stems that will be below the water line. Submerged foliage encourages bacteria growth in the container water. Remove at least 1 inch from the bottom of any flower stems that have been exposed to air. Legends abound as to the best way to cut, slice, or crush stems before placing them in water. Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle really does help most flowers absorb water. Some woody stemmed flowers benefit from slicing their stems, but you can’t go wrong with a diagonal cut. Use garden shears or a sharp knife to cut stems. Common household scissors can crush the vascular systemscrush the vascular systems of the flower stem, inhibiting water uptake. As soon as you make the cut, plunge flowers into a vase or container filled with lukewarm water.



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Reply:Yes it does help, also you can put one or two drops (only) of bleach in the water. The bleach will kill harmful bacteria and help the plants live longer. Also cut the ends of the stems at an angle under running water. All of these will help them last longer. I hope that helps.
Reply:I did my science fair project on what made flowers live the longest-the best way to go is to just add the packet of flower food into the water. If you don’t have flower food, use a penny.

My aunt also said that about a teaspoon of bleach will help-she’s a greenhouse owner.
Reply:cut the ends diagonally. then use a product that says that it will keep the flowers longer. you can get this at any floweriest
Reply:i don't know about the sugar,but the aspirin does if you also change the water every few days with a new pill
Reply:Sprite is supposed to help! I always change the h2o everyday!
Reply:Put some sugar in the water and your flowers should last longer.
Reply:Keep them in sunlight and in a vase of water.
Reply:asprin really does work and also cutting the flower at 45 deg angle.
Reply:Plastic wrap and freezer...?
Reply:put them in the fridge at night/when you're out helps too.