3 Days to V-Day: How to Make Your Flowers Last

At three days out from Valentine's Day, it's important to remember that your flowers will last much longer with proper care and handling. The following Q&A is compiled by Chrysal Premium Flower Care.


Q: Why should I cut off 1-2 inches and lose stem length when 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch will do?

A: 75-85% of bacteria, organic matter, and germs are lodged in the bottom 1-2 inches of stem. It's important to open the stem tissue with a fresh cut so the solution can flow freely.


Q: Johnny put the flower packet on his Cheerios like sugar. Will he die?

A: Sachets are primarily sugar, but regardless, they are not recommended for human consumption.


Q: Is it necessary to rinse a vase before using it if it has been stored dry or never been used?

A: Yes. Dust and germs float around and settle on everything. It's the same concept as pulling rarely-used wine glasses out of the cupboard: you wash and maybe even polish them first.


Q: What are the two biggest flow-blockers that affect roses?

A: Bacteria and air bubbles.


Here's the bottom line.

1. Chrysal and flower food alone will not keep your flowers fresh, especially if you don't change the water in your arrangement.

2. Change the water in your arrangement every other day, or as soon as the water turns cloudy. You can even set the vase in a sink and run water into the vase for a few minutes until all the old water is washed out over the sides of the vase and the water is clear again. Remember to dry the outside of the vase before you set it back in the middle of your varnished oak table.

3. If you can remove the arrangement from the vase without destroying the design, wash the vase (inside and out) before you refill it with fresh water.

4. If you're comfortable with it, give flowers a fresh cut every three or four days. With a rose arrangement, it's easiest to remove each rose one at a time from the vase, cut off an inch of stem from the bottom, and return the rose to the vase before removing another. With smaller arrangements, you can sometimes gather all the flowers together in your hand, remove them from the vase, cut off an inch from the bottom of all the stems, and carefully return the flowers to the vase. Use a sharp pair of clippers or pruners, or even a good pair of scissors to make the cut; using anything blunted or dull will crush the flower stems and prevent them from drawing water.