Homemade Flower Food
Making your own flower food is a great way to extend the life of your fresh flowers. Flower food provides essential nutrients and helps prevent the growth of bacteria, allowing your blooms to stay vibrant and healthy for a longer time.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp bleach optional
- 1 quart (approximately 1 liter) warm water
Instructions
- Clean your vase: Before preparing the flower food, make sure your vase is thoroughly cleaned. Wash it with warm, soapy water, and rinse it well to remove any residue from previous flower arrangements.
- Mix the ingredients: In a measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the warm water, white vinegar, and sugar.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you choose to use bleach, add it to the mixture. Bleach helps prevent bacterial growth, but it is optional.
- Fill the vase: Pour the flower food mixture into your clean vase. Ensure that it's enough to submerge the stems of your flowers without overflowing.
- Trim the stems: Before arranging your flowers in the vase, trim about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This will create a fresh cut and improve water uptake.
- Arrange the flowers: Place your freshly trimmed flowers into the vase with the prepared flower food solution. Make sure all the stems are submerged in the liquid.
- Display the flowers: Find a suitable location for your vase with fresh flowers. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts, as these factors can shorten the lifespan of cut flowers.
- Replace the vase water: Every 2-3 days, empty the vase, discard the old flower food solution, and rinse the vase thoroughly. Prepare a fresh batch of flower food using the same recipe, and return the flowers to the vase with the new solution.