Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh

[Julie-Ann]

As we speak my DH is up at the shops choosing me a little Valentine's Day gift:D.
In the hope that it might be flowers I thought I would ask how do you keep cut flowers fresh?
There are lots of myths that tell you to add bleach or sugar but which one works?

This lovely picture is from www.gettyimages.com (http://www.gettyimages.com)
Do you think this could be our DH's tomorrow:D

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/flowers.jpg

[rachel]

Sugar works but the most important thing is to keep the water fresh and keep leaves out of the water.

Change the water regularly and remove any leaves below the water line and you should be fine.

A big factor is how long the flowers have been picked when you buy them... but it is hard to control that :(

[Elements]

Wishing you all a happy romantic day tomorrow......no flowers for me......well not holding my breath:rolleyes:......... but another little tip is to add a couple of drops of bleach to the water....this stops the bacteria in the water and the sugar helps it to thrive for longer..:)

[Susie]

Yes I agree sugar and a little drop of bleach does work well. Ive used it with roses mostly..

The cut Sunflowers are just gorgeous at the moment, but dont last long in my hot house:mad::mad: