Millions will receive flowers on Valentine’s Day and will wonder “how do I extend the life of the blooms I received?” Here are my tips for getting the most out of your Valentine’s Day gift.
CONDITION THE BLOOMS
- If they arrive in a box or wrapped in cellophane, remove them immediately and prepare them as follows:
- Fill your container with equal parts water and lemon-lime soda (sprite or 7UP)
- Add two aspirins or a penny. Both act as an antibacterial agent and will help eliminate slimy/cloudy water in the vase.
- Cut off about 1/2 – 1 inch of the stems. The roses don’t care whether you cut straight across or on a slant. Just cut them. This cut opens a wound to allow the stems to be hydrated.
- As soon as you cut them plunge the stems into the mixture described above.
- Arrange as necessary.
RINSE & REPEAT
- Repeat this step every 2 days. As the stems become shorter and some of the blooms begin to fade, divide and move them to smaller containers. As the additional filler foliage fades, I add some from my garden. Rosemary, boxwood and others make great fillers and will give your blooms a new look.
Most people find that by following this course of action, you can extend the life of your blooms up to 14 days.
I hope all your Valentine’s Day Dreams Comes True!
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About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
The Redneck Rosarian 
Great tips!!
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Really useful tips. Thank you – I’ll definitely try these out. Now all I need is someone to buy me roses! 🙂
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