6 simple, expert-approved tips to keep flowers fresh until the new year
Fresh flowers add a magical touch to your festive decor, but no one wants wilting petals before the celebrations are over. These six easy and affordable tips — using items you already have at home — will help keep your blooms looking beautiful until well after the Christmas festivities.
1. Mix vinegar and sugar
To extend the life of your flowers, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar with a teaspoon of sugar and add it to the vase water. ‘The sugar feeds the flowers while the vinegar prevents bacteria from growing,’ says Igor Podyablonskiy, flower expert at MyFlowers.
2. Use lemon, lime and soda
Whether for festive cocktails or a soft drink, save a splash of lemon-lime soda for your vase water. The sugar and acidity work together to keep your fresh flowers perky and vibrant.
3. Aspirin works too
More than just a post-party headache remedy, one crushed aspirin added to vase water can work wonders for your flowers. ‘The salicylic acid in aspirin lowers the water’s pH levels, helping to deter bacteria and keep your flowers as good as new,’ Igor reveals. ‘This trick can keep blooms fresh for up to nine days.’
4. Save your 1p coins
It might sound old-fashioned, but it works, says Igor. Simply drop a few copper coins into the bottom of your vase. Copper is a natural antibacterial agent that keeps water fresher longer.
5. Don’t forget the fridge
Your fridge isn’t just for Christmas leftovers. Igor suggests placing your flowers inside overnight to keep them fresh, especially if they’re delicate or if you’re heading away for a few days. 'Just make sure to keep them away from fruit like apples and bananas,' Igor warns, 'these release gases that can age flowers prematurely.'
6. Prepare the stems
Roses can be tricky to keep looking their best, but Igor suggests a clever hack: ‘Before placing them in the vase, trim the stems at an angle and put the cut ends in boiling water for 30 seconds. This removes air bubbles in the stems, meaning better water absorption and healthier roses.’
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