Steps to Preserving Cut Flowers in Sugar and Vinegar
As a child growing up Christmas was always an exciting time in our home because of the Christmas tree that my parents brought, we all got to decorate the tree and most of all watched as those gifts filled the entire area under the tree.
But what my Mom did was always added some sugar to the water that the Christmas tree stood in because I was told that this would preserve the tree and caused it to last longer meaning the aroma of the wonderful pine would be around a lot longer filling our home.
Vinegar and Sugar
What we will be looking at however is the science of vinegar and sugar in relation to preserving flower cuttings.
The POWER Of Sugar and Vinegar
What is the science behind sugar and vinegar and how does this help to preserve flower cuttings?
Vinegar helps to lower the Ph level that is in the water, this allows your cuttings to take up the water easier. Vinegar also helps to eliminate microbes that have an adverse effect on flower cuttings.
Sugar is a great source of carbohydrates, this is very important to plants because plants convert carbohydrates to sugar by the process that is known as photosynthesis along with water and the energy that comes from the sunlight. So by feeding your flower cuttings with sugar is a great way to help give them that added boost.
How to use sugar and vinegar to preserve cut flowers
Steps in preparing this powerful mixture
1. Keep flower cuttings wrapped in a cloth that is soaked with water to prevent water loss.
2. Use a clean vase or if the vase is not clean with a solution of warm water and soap liquid clean the vase thoroughly.
3. In a quart of warm water mix 2 tbsp of sugar along with 2 tbsp of vinegar. White vinegar is the best choice.
4. Remove lower leaves from cuttings so they don’t rest in the water, vinegar, and sugar mixture will decrease bacteria activity, also the removal of these lower levels will help cuttings to use less energy.
5. Cut stems at the desired height for the arrangement with a sharp pruner or scissors.
6. Place the vase with the arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight because direct sunlight will have an adverse effect on your flower cuttings.
7. Change the water every other day or every 2 days and repeat steps 2 and 3.
The final word
The power of sugar and vinegar is so amazing when it comes to flower cuttings. Giving this mixture a try will ensure that your flower cuttings last much longer as you enjoy the beauty they bring.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I am REALLY excited about this information! I have always heard about the sugar but never knew about the vinegar. I use vinegar for many other things because I just think it is healthy but I never thought to use it in this manner. Who knew! Thank you for the great tip! I can’t wait to use it and share.
Hello, Angela so happy to help and thanks so much for sharing this bit of information. Please let me know how it goes all the best to you.