With spring in full swing, many of us are enjoying the colorful beauty and pleasant fragrances of fresh flowers. But if you’ve ever bought or received a bouquet, you know how quickly they can start to wilt.
Thankfully, a flower expert has shared a surprising secret that could help your blooms last much longer— and it may already be in your kitchen.
Elise Harlock, a brand manager at Prestige Flowers, has revealed that the secret to keeping flowers fresh is all about hydration and the acidity of the water.
She suggests adding a splash of lemon juice to your vase. This simple addition lowers the water’s pH, which helps flowers like lilies absorb water more easily and stay vibrant for a longer period.
“Lemon water is beneficial not only for humans but also for flowers,” Harlock explained. “It can lower the pH level of the water, helping the lilies stay hydrated and reducing bacterial growth.”
If you don’t have a lemon at home, a crushed vitamin C tablet can also do the trick. Both methods are inexpensive— a lemon can cost as little as 30p at Morrisons— and they make a significant difference in keeping flowers fresh.
One of the main reasons flowers wilt is the buildup of bacteria in the vase, which can block the flower stems’ vascular systems. This prevents the flowers from taking up water and nutrients, causing the petals to droop and the leaves to turn yellow.
By lowering the water’s pH, the growth of harmful bacteria is slowed, which keeps the stems clear and prolongs the life of your flowers.
Elise Harlock also recommends refreshing the water in the vase every two or three days and trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers take up water more efficiently, which can extend their life.
For the best results, Harlock advises keeping your flowers out of direct sunlight, which can be too harsh and cause them to wilt faster. Place them in a cool, shaded area to maintain their freshness.
Additionally, trimming the stems every few days, removing about half an inch, helps ensure that no air bubbles block the flowers from absorbing water.
With these simple, affordable tips, you can enjoy your fresh flowers for a longer time— all while keeping them hydrated, healthy, and beautiful.
