The Ultimate Guide: 3 Simple Ingredients for Making Your Own Cut Flower Food
I love receiving gifts, I think we all do. If you’re anything like me, you love keeping your gifts for the longest time possible. Sadly, fresh-cut flowers don’t last forever. It’s so frustrating seeing your beloved blooms droop just a few days after receiving them. Thanks to that small packet of liquid magic taped to your bouquet wrapping, you get to keep your flowers fresh for over a week.
Did you know that flower food is not as magical as you’d imagine? It’s a simple, proven science that you can easily replicate in the comfort of your own home. Before I let you in on this secret, here are the main three additives fresh-cut flowers need to keep them alive for longer:
- A nutrient solution that’ll act as a food & energy source.
- An acidic environment that will enhance the absorption of water by the flowers.
- A biocidal solution to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
These form a perfect concoction that simultaneously feed and protect your beautiful flowers, thereby giving them an extended lifespan.
Okay, now that you know the science behind how flower food works, head over to your kitchen and grab some white granulated sugar (food source), warm water (solvent, the “environment”; warmer water travels faster up the stem), fresh lemon juice or vinegar (lowers pH, increases acidity, also biocidal), and lastly, some household bleach (biocide, kills germs!). Next grab your clean vase. Then, add all ingredients to the vase using the following measurements:
- 500 mL or 2 cups of warm water
- 1 tbsp of white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- A drop or two of household bleach
Mix until all ingredients are dissolved. Your flowers will need this solution every two to three days, so you can double/triple up your measurements and store the solution for every time you need to change the water. Another pro tip: Remember to trim your flower stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in the solution for optimal water uptake. Don’t forget to read the care instructions on your bouquet message card, which is delivered with every order of flower bouquets.
And there you have it! The ultimate guide to making your own flower food. As promised, no magic, just simple science. Now, you get to enjoy your blooms for almost 2 weeks. If you’re feeling a bit lazy to do a simple DIY project, do not fret, you’re always welcome to purchase more fresh and beautiful blooms from our website. We’re always ready and highly anticipating your orders.