WITH flowers in full bloom this season, there is no better way to brighten up a home than with a fresh bouquet.
But those beautiful bunches can quickly wilt.
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Extend your flowers’ life and keep their beauty around for longer with these cheap and easy tips.
TAKE A CUT: Before you plunge the flowers into water, cut stems at an angle.
This will help the flowers absorb water more easily, says Mohammad Khan of prestigeflowers.co.uk.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Make sure your vase is clean and free of any bacteria or dirt that could cause the flowers to wilt fast.
Replace the water every two days, and make sure it’s at room temperature.
FEED YOUR FLOWERS: Do use the flower food that often comes with a fresh bouquet you have bought.
If you don’t have one, you can mix a tablespoon of sugar with the water in your vase.
Mohammed says: “The sugar will act as a source of food for the flowers, helping them to stay healthy.”
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Alternatively, you could try crushing an aspirin tablet and adding it to the water in the vase.
He adds: “The salicylic acid in the aspirin will help the flowers stay fresh.”
FEND OFF FUNGI: Do you sometimes find that your flowers quickly go mouldy?
Drop a penny or two into the bottom of your vase. “The copper in the pennies will act as a natural fungicide and help keep your blooms looking vibrant,” says Mohammad.
HAIR-RAISING TIP: If you have a can of hairspray handy, give your flowers a quick spritz with it before placing them in the vase.
This is said to help the petals retain their moisture.
Also, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a radiator or oven.
They will stay fresh for longer in a cool, shady spot.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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