Fresh Flower Preservative

How to Preserve your Fresh Cut Flowers

1. Tips to Make your Flowers Last
2. Borax Flower Drying Formula
3. Make Your Own Food Packets
4. Commercial Food Packets
5. Make Candied Flowers
6. Preserving Flowers with Glycerin

Here are some tips for making your bouquet last longer:

1. Flowers always keep best when cut under running water with a sharp (un-serrated knife). Make the cut in the stem at a slant.

2. Before placing your flowers in a vase, be sure to remove any leaves that would be under water, but avoid removing any thorns (from Roses) as this shortens the life of your rose.

3. Prematurely Wilted roses are a result of air bubbles and/or bacteria. To prevent air-bubbles simply cut a new stem (under running water and at a slant).

4. Warm or Cold Water? Lukewarm is best for most cut flowers, but use Cold water for any flowers resulting from Bulbs such as tulips, hyacinths, etc.

5. Think your cut flowers look nice on your table with your fruit bowl? Think again! Fruit releases a natural gas that will cause your flowers to “age” and thus die sooner.

6. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

Have you ever Wondered what’s in those little packets of “Food” that the florist gives you?

Commercial Floral preservatives generally contain 3 basic components:

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Biocide- chemicals to kill bacteria which often plug the stems ability to draw water
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Acidifier- which helps the water move up the stem more quickly
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Sugar- which acts as Food
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An Aspirin and a Penny

If you prefer natural alternatives, try one of these methods:

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1 c. Lemon-Lime Soda to 3 c. Water + 1/4 tsp Bleach – to continue with this add 1/4 tsp bleach every 4 days
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2 T. Listerine per gallon of water
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2 T. Lemon Juice to 1 qt water, 1 T. Sugar & 1/2 tsp bleach

If you’d like to preserve your flowers permanently- submerse them in a glycerin solution.

Mix 2 c. water and 1 c. glycerin in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat 10 min & Cool.

Carefully cut each well chosen branch at an angle (like you’d cut flowers) for easier absorption.

Place the cut flowers into the solution and allow to set for 7-10 days in a cool dark area, until all or most of the mixture has been absorbed.

(There will be beads of glycerin on the leaves). Carefully wipe each leaf with a damp washcloth or paper towel & then pat dry.

Arrange your Flowers into swags or Heavy Vases. These arrangements will last for years.
Flower Drying Formula

10 parts white cornmeal
3 parts borax

Mix together. Bury flowers in the mixture. Let set for 2 weeks, and the dried flowers will last for years