How to Keep Flowers Fresh

Your honey bought you a Valentine's bouquet (sweet!). Make those cut flowers last longer with these simple steps from Kate Law of proflowers.com:

Fill a vase with lukewarm water and add the included flower food. Cut off stems on an angle with a sharp knife to create more surface area for the water absorption. Place the vase out of direct sunlight in a cool, non-drafty spot. (Related: Make a Valentine's Day Vase)

Refresh the water and trim stems 1/2 inch every other day. In place of flower food, fill the vase with half water, half lemon-lime soda-the sugar will feed the blooms while the acidity will keep flower-life-shortening bacteria at bay. (Related: Unique Flower Arrangements)


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