Why you should put vodka in your flower vase this Valentine's Day
Around four million bouquets of flowers are bought in the UK every Valentine's Day.
Shops and supermarkets increase their prices around February 14th as they know they will be inundated with shoppers desperate to treat their loved ones to a beautiful arrangement.
The sad reality is though, no matter if you spend £5 or £50 on your flowers, they start to die once you place them in a vase.
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However, a gardening expert at GardeningExpress.co.uk believes adding a dash of vodka could be the secret to keeping Valentine’s Day bunches fresher for longer.
Chris Bonnet said the alcohol can act as an antibacterial agent, killing off any bacteria on flower stems and promoting a healthy growth overall.
He also encourages normal regular maintenance including changing the water, recutting stems and adding flower food.
Here are Chris's seven tips for looking after your flowers:
Use a clean vase
Start with a clean vase to prevent the growth of bacteria. Wash the vase with soap and water before placing the flowers in it. The vase should be filled halfway up with lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the flowers.
Trim the stems
Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or secateurs. This allows the flower to soak up more water. Cut at least an inch off the stems, and do this under running water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem.
Change water regularly
Refill the vase with fresh daily or every other day. This is important because bacteria thrive in stale water. When you change the water, consider adding some flower food as well.
Add a spoon of vodka to the water
Adding a small amount of vodka to your water will help to kill any unwanted bacteria lingering on the stems. It also slows down the production of ethylene which is the gas that causes flowers to wilt.
Feed the flowers
Many flowers come with a custom food packet which reduces bacteria growth. Make sure to add the sachet to the water. If you run out of food or don’t have any then you can also make your own by mixing together two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of bleach for every litre of water.
Remove leaves
Remove any foliage from under the waterline in the vase. Foliage in the water can lead to bacteria building up in the vase.
Pay attention to the environment
Cut flowers thrive in a cooler environment, so it’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight. You should also avoid placing the flowers near heat sources, fans or draughts.
Chris said: “A lot of people disregard their flowers after Valentine’s Day, forgetting to care for them properly which is a shame because with the right attention, they can last much longer than just a couple of days. Once your flowers are in water don’t just leave them there for days. It’s important to cut the stems and change the water regularly as well as feeding them with flower food.
“A great hack to help extend the life of your beautiful flowers is to add a small dash of vodka to the water. It might sound surprising but the vodka will work as an antibacterial, removing any unwanted bacteria that could harm your flowers off of the stems.”
“Other factors such as the type of vase we keep them in and the temperature of the room and water also make a difference in the longevity of your beautiful blooms.”
