Many garden plants are also suitable as cut flowers. Unfortunately, these only last for a short time. With a few tricks and a few simple steps, however, the shelf life can be extended so that the cut flowers look fresh for longer.
Cut flowers can be found in every supermarket these days and are really not expensive, but let's be honest: it's much nicer if you can put flowers from your own garden in a vase and use them to brighten up your terrace, apartment or balcony, isn't it? The only downside - unlike potted plants, these don't last very long of course.
However, you can influence the shelf life by creating the right conditions for cut flowers. By avoiding a few mistakes, you can ensure that the cut flowers stay fresher for longer.
8 tips: How to make your cut flowers last longer
Tip 1: Clean vase
Choosing the right vase forms the basis for a long shelf life for your cut flowers. Make absolutely sure that you use a clean and germ-free vase. Even the smallest residue can lead to the water quality in the vase tipping over and the cut flowers dying quickly. This is because the bacteria build up faster.
The best way to get your vases clean is to use cleaning tabs for dentures (e.g. Kukident). To do this, simply fill the vase with water, put the tablet in it, leave it to work and rinse it out with clear water after about one to two hours. After this treatment, the vase is not only clean, but also free of bacteria.
Tip 2: Cut correctly
It is also very important that you always cut your flowers again. This is especially true for purchased cut flowers, as the interface dries out during transport, preventing water absorption. With flowers from the garden, which are usually placed immediately in the water, you don't necessarily have to cut them again. However, it does not harm the plant.
Rule of thumb when bleed:
Plants with a soft stem, such as gerberas, tulips and gladioli, are cut straight at the bottom. atFor plants with a hard stem, you need to use a sharp knife at an angle so that the cut surface is as large as possible. This allows the plant to absorb enough water. Repeat the cut after a few days.
» Note: Do not use scissors, you may crush the stems.
Tip 3: Remove leaves at water level
Before you put the cut flowers in the vase, you should remove the lower leaves. Cut or clip off any leaves that would come in contact with the water. If you don't do this, the leaves will begin to rot and, accordingly, the water quality will deteriorate.
Shortening also has the advantage that the plant doesn't put its energy into the leaves, but rather the flower.
Tip 4: Use lukewarm water with a low lime content
Many still think that cut flowers prefer cold water. But this is not the case. Most tolerate lukewarm water best. Temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees are ideal. In the best case, the water is low in lime. If you are not sure, you should simply carry out a test and measure your water hardness. If the water is too hard, you can easily counteract it with lemon juice or vinegar.
Speaking of water, keep an eye on the water. If you notice that this is discolouring, you should change the flower water. It is best if you change the water after a day or two at the latest.
» By the way: For some varieties, such as roses and sunflowers, experts recommend briefly immersing the stem in boiling water. The air bubbles should escape and the plant can then absorb the water better.
Tip 5: Add nutrients
Almost everyone who buys a bouquet of flowers gets a small bag of "Blumenfrisch" with it. Of course, you can't enjoy this with flowers from the garden. But you can buy this one just as well. You can use effective microorganisms to improve the absorption of nutrients and thus significantly extend the shelf life. The so-called pipes are added to the water and can be used again and again.
Tip 6: Use sugar sparingly
It is also often said that sugar in flower water should extend the shelf life. While it really is the case that a small pinch of theThe aging process slows down, but the right dosage is important here. If you add just a little too much to the water, this promotes bacterial growth and ensures that the plants die even faster.
Tip 7: Don't put flowers near fruit
The location also determines the shelf life of cut flowers. If you place your plants near fruit bowls, you risk your plants wilting quickly in the vase. This is due to the gas ethylene that some fruits and vegetables excrete. This gives off a ripening gas and causes the flowers to age faster. Keep a list of ethylene-secreting strains handy so you can keep checking back if you're not sure.
But it's not just the ethylene that matters, you shouldn't expose your vase of fresh cut flowers to direct sunlight or draughts. A bright location without direct sunlight that is not near a window is much better.
Tip 8: Not all flowers get along with each other
There are some plants that get along well in nature, but don't make very good companions in a vase. Examples include daffodils and hyacinths. These secrete a slime that clogs the capillaries of other plants in the bouquet. So if you want to put daffodils or hyacinths in a vase, only do it individually.
You want to make a pretty bouquet from your flowers? In the article "Tie a bouquet - step by step to a masterpiece" we show you how it's done.