How to prolong the life of cut flowers

Flower & Garden Magazine, August-Sept, 1985 by Amalie Adler Ascher

The Dutch remedy for bent neck is to re-cut stems immediately, roll them in newspaper, and stand the flowers in deep water for two to three hours, or lay them flat in a bathtub without newspapers for two hours, but no longer. The Japanese method for rescuing roses from bent neck, is to re-cut stems under hot water and then stand them in deep hot water until heads regain their position.

Leaving thorns on rose stems improves the keeping quality, but needless to say, it makes handling more difficult. Removing thorns leaves wounds for the entrance of bacteria, permits moisture to escape without reaching the bloom. Keep pruning shears used for cutting roses sharp. The more stems are crushed, the less water they take up.

Roses and tulips are the hardest flowers to condition. Lilies are the easiest.

Contrary to popular belief, a penny or an aspirin in the water will not keep flowers fresh. It would be better, say the Dutch, to keep the penny in your pocket and the aspirin for the headache you will surely get if you don't use clean water and buckets.

Photo: Whether from your own garden, or purchased from a florist, cut flowers will last longer and give more pleasure if a few rules are followed to make them last.