Legend has it that St. Valentine’s Day originated from the ancient Roman fertility festival Lupercalia, where young women would place their names in an urn. The young men would then draw a name from the urn, becoming romantically linked with that young woman for the following year.
While the rituals have evolved over time, Valentine’s Day remains a special occasion to express love and appreciation for those dear to you through gestures like sharing chocolates, balloons, cookies, or flower bouquets. If you are giving or receiving fresh flowers, here are some tips to help prolong their lifespan.
When selecting flowers for someone, it’s important to note that not all flowers have the same longevity once cut. For instance, carnations or chrysanthemums can thrive for up to two weeks in a vase, while delicate flowers such as gerbera daisies or roses may last less than a week.
To ensure the longevity of the flowers you receive, it’s essential to provide proper care. Begin by choosing a clean vase that is tall enough for the flower stems and has a sufficiently wide opening. Fill the vase with warm water, as this aids in faster water absorption by the stems. Avoid using chemically softened water, which often contains high levels of sodium that can be detrimental to flowers. For longer-lasting flowers, the water should contain sugars for nourishment and a disinfectant to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. In the absence of a commercial preservative, you can create your own using the following recipes:
- Mix three parts water with one part nondiet lemon-lime soft drink to supply sugar and lower the water’s pH (due to citric acid in the soda).
- Combine one tablespoon of sugar and 1⁄4 teaspoon of bleach in one gallon of water.
When trimming the stems, do so underwater to prevent air bubbles from entering and hindering water absorption. Use sharp pruners to cut at least an inch or more off the stems at an angle to fit your chosen vase, ensuring that the flowers are approximately one and a half times the height of the vase.
Keep fresh floral arrangements in a cool, well-lit area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Change the water in the vase every two to three days or when it appears cloudy, adding the homemade preservative each time. Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth from decaying leaves. As flowers wilt, remove them from the arrangement, transferring any healthy blooms to a smaller vase.
By following these straightforward steps, you can fully appreciate the sentiment behind your special Valentine’s Day flowers. For gardening inquiries, email the remote help desk at [email protected] The in-person help desk will resume operations this spring. Connect with us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners — El Paso County.