The Sweet Treat That'll Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer

So you've bought a beautiful bouquet of flowers and popped them in your favorite vase along with the provided flower packet, fresh water, and perhaps even some decorative stones. In just a few days, you may notice that your flowers are beginning to wilt. While the cause of their droopiness may be due to a number of factors such as dehydration, short shelf life, or bacterial infections, there is one easy DIY trick that you may not know lurks in the shelves of your kitchen with one simple ingredient.

The next time you notice your flowers beginning to wither, reach for the sugar bowl and add some to the water in your vase to send your flowers a fresh buzz, elongating their life as your centerpiece. This trick won't prolong them forever, but it will temporarily convince your flowers that they've got more stamina, much like that afternoon coffee run. With this simple hack, you can give your flowers a sugar high that will have them blooming all over again.

To extend the shelf life of fresh-cut flowers, grab some granulated sugar from your kitchen pantry. Begin by preparing a vase with clean water. For every quart of water, add three tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Trim the flower stems at a forty-five-degree angle to enhance water absorption, and remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. Place the flowers in the vase with the sugar-infused water, ensuring no leaves touch the water's surface. Keep the vase in a cool, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. Change the water every two days, recreating the sugar-water mixture as needed.

The sugar water provides a source of energy for the flowers and promotes water uptake, helping them stay hydrated and prolonging their lifespan. Unlike rooted plants, the stems of fresh flowers can actually absorb the sugar water to help them thrive. Furthermore, the sugar serves as a food source for beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in the vase water. This simple hack helps maintain the flowers' freshness and vibrant appearance, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for a longer time. For an added bonus, try adding two tablespoons of white vinegar along with the sugar. The vinegar works to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the water that would inhibit plant growth.