During the flowering period of plants, one wants to take home a bouquet of lilac or jasmine. Or buy flowers if there is no allergy. To cut branches or flowers purchased longer preserved, it is enough to follow some recommendations.
Skillful gardeners and florists use 10 universal tips for caring for cut flowers:
1. Country flowers or bouquets from bushes should be cut early in the morning (at 6-7 o’clock), as the buds are saturated with moisture overnight and will retain freshness longer.
2. It is better to choose a vase for flowers from transparent glass, as it transmits sunlight.
3. Before use, sterilize the vase above the steam in advance: pour water into the head and let it boil, put the vase on the grating. After 5-7 minutes, move the vase with its neck down onto a clean waffle towel.
4. The stems of honeysuckle, lilac and chrysanthemum will better absorb moisture if you split them with scissors from below in two. Insert a headless match into the crevice.
5. The leaves on the stems rot after a long stay in the water, therefore it is better to get rid of them immediately.
6. The water in the vase should be at room temperature and filtered (or settled).
7. Shrub bouquets like coal in the water. Add some charcoal or crush 1-2 tablets of activated charcoal. It also helps to keep the flowers fresh for a few drops of ammonia or 1-2 tsp. table salt.
8. Roses and carnations love sweet water: add sugar to nourish or dissolve 1-3 glucose tablets.
9. A solution of potassium permanganate will provide long freshness to cut branches of bushes, the water should be slightly pinkish.
10. Stems must be cut daily. Move the flowers into the basin with the settled water and cut the ends of the stems directly in the water, trying to make the cut obliquely. Before moving the flowers back into the vase, pinch the tip of each pruned stem with your finger to prevent the formation of an air jam. While the flowers are soaking in a basin, change the water in the vase.
