Monty Don explains how to encourage growth of wildflowers
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Fresh flowers can be expensive, especially if purchasing them on a regular basis. Proper care includes changing the water regularly and snipping the bottom of the stems before placing them in a vase. While many opt to place them wherever they wish to, experts have shared the places Britons should avoid putting freshly cut flowers.
Jade Robertson of top flower delivery service, Prestige Flowers, has shared the “worst places” in the home to place fresh floral displays.
She explained: “To make flowers last their full lifespan, they need good care, but it doesn’t take a lot of time.
“By following some basic tips, it’s easy to keep your foliage looking great. Cut flowers generally like to be kept at room temperature, which is between 18C and 22C.
“They don’t like heating elements, which is important to remember at this time of year when people are looking to turn radiators or portable haters on, or light fireplaces.”
Other heat sources to be avoided include sunny windowsills or next to an appliance which gives off heat, such as the TV.
The expert added: “By keeping flowers at a stable temperature, not too hot or too cold, they will grow and blossom at their natural rate, thus extending their lifespan.”
Other tips to prolong the life of freshly cut flowers include cutting the stem of each individual flower at an angle, around an inch and a half above the base.
This helps to increase the amount of water absorbed in the stems, helping them to stay looking “fresher for longer”.
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The florist also recommended adding flower food provided by the flower company in the vase before filling it with the specified amount of water, which varies depending on the type of food.
Jade continued: “If your water does start to look cloudy, change the water and add more flower food, otherwise it’s unlikely your flowers will be getting the nutrients they need to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
“Ripening fruits, and especially bananas, release small amounts of ethylene gas which can speed up the maturation process, and therefore making your flowers wilt much earlier.
“It’s much better to move them away from the fruit bowl and enjoy the blooms for that bit longer.”
According to other experts, Britons can keep their flowers, including tulips, fresher for longer by using a 2p coin trick.
It works by placing the coin at the bottom of the flower vase before adding the flowers.
The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk explained: “Unknown to many, they contain natural antimicrobial properties, which prevent bacteria’s growth, which causes blossoms like tulips to dry up and wilt.”
The trick doesn’t only work on tulips, it can also help flowers such as roses too.
It is recommended to clean the coin before using it to help remove any dirt and bacteria.
Other methods include using sugar and apple cider vinegar.
GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk explained: “This cupboard staple [sugar] can be used as a preservative to keep flowers looking healthy for longer.
“Three tablespoons of sugar should be dissolved into one litre of warm water.
“When filling the vase, the freshly cut stems should be covered by seven to 10 centimetres of prepared water.”
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