Five money-saving tips to get the best value out of your flowers
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.
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.
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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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