Dear Bridget, Can you please advise me on where I can find info on dying fungi mums. I have an arrangement made for a Mexican Fiesta using the brilliant colored Fuji Mums. I will be needed these mum for an event in late October. My local flower source can not guarantee these colored Fuji in October. I wanted to see if I could color them myself if they are not available in October. It would be my backup. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. -  Cheryl - Houston, TX

Cheryl, I would recommend you do several trials to be sure you get the right color and calculate the time and measure the amount of dye to water. You should begin with light colored or white fuji mums. If you want brighter yellow, you can start with a pale yellow. If you want a color other than what is available, use white to begin. Food coloring may work. I say may because it may not produce the intense color you want. For a more intense color, you can either leave the stems in longer or increase the concentration of the dye (amount of dye in amount of water - either increase the dye or decrease the water). A floral dye may work best, if you can get some. Not all commercial dyes will be safe for flowers (and I don't know the differences, I would only use one recommended for flowers). Commercial dyes will likely be stronger than food coloring, giving you the potential to produce a more intense color. I wish you much success.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I'm a 9th grader at Spruce Creek High School and I was wondering something for a Science Fair project. Is it conceivable to cut a flower any other way than the standard angular cut to extend its shelf life? Like say at a curve or in a parabolic shape. I would really appreciate it. Thank you. -  Alan - Mauldin, SC

Alan, If you had a sharp knife, good eyesight, and a sturdy stem, you could do that. Most of the research I've seen says that the angular cut works better than a flat (parallel to the vase) cut because it gives the stem slightly more surface area (to take up water) and gets the stem off the bottom of the vase (again, increasing the opportunity for water uptake). Your suggestion would increase the surface area for water uptake, but likely by only a centimeter or two. Would that make a difference in water uptake? Probably very, very little. But, an interesting question and that's what is important in science - Keep asking those interesting questions! The world needs more scientists with inquisitive minds.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Which flowers have the longest vase life? -  Shoby

Shoby, Fresh flowers have varying vase life, determined as much by genetics as by how they are cared for and handled. Some tropical flowers have as much vase life as some grown in temperate regions. Of the more commonly available fresh flowers, the longest lived are carnations and chrysanthemums, with some exceptions. When handled well and purchased from a reputable florist, some carnations and chrysanthemums can last up to four weeks (when given proper care at home). Most of the challenge comes from the grower to retailer the next challenge comes in the consumer's home. Be sure to follow the best care instructions and change the floral preservative solution every two to three days.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am getting married on the 25th of September. I am decorating with red alstromeria and white mini carnations. I have small clear round containers to put flowers in. Any ideas of how I should decorate them or where else I could put flowers in the reception hall?? -  Elisha - LaGrange, IN

Elisha, Congratulations! What striking colors you've chosen, and they will certainly enhance your special day. I would use a small mirror under the vase to enhance the effect of the flowers. You can add some greens and some baby's breath (if you like) to increase the appearance of flower volume. I would use those in small bags, perhaps just tied with a simple bow of red & white ribbon to lay on the head table or hang on the wall near your entrance. These could be laid around the cake or near the guest book (if you have one). You could even make a larger one to throw if you want to keep your flowers and toss another bouquet. Carnations and alstromeria will last most of the day out of water, but don't make the bags up much earlier than first thing on your wedding day. Keep they tied bunches in water until you can arrange them. Consider making a swag of greens and inserting a few flowers closer to the ceremony, too, if you have some greenery, wire, and a talent for wrapping the stems together. Three stems of alstromeria and two stems of mini-carnations tied with some greens and ribbon would look great in all those places. I wish you much happiness!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I was wondering what do you suggest to keep flowers alive longer? if you could e-mail me or send me some information I would appreciate it. -  Laycee - Ogden, UT

Laycee, The information on our web site shows the best possible care for fresh flowers. It is important to remember that some flowers will live only a short time, programmed by nature to last from a few hours to a few days. There is little we humans can do to extend floral life beyond that point. Purchasing flowers from a reputable florist or flower sales person, knowing they received the best care before they were in your hands, and doing all you can (cutting stems under water, using a measured amount of preservative and changing the solution every few days) is about all you can do. Some flowers, like carnations, may last up to three weeks or more. Some flowers, like jasmine, may only last a few hours. I hope that helps.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am giving a 50th anniversary party in Indianapolis, IN in October. I had originally thought that on each dinner table I would put a three foot skinny vase on each table and put a very high arrangement almost like an umbrella look. My mothers favorite color is purple (she does not have a favorite flower). As I begin to figure out the flowers to be used, I am having trouble in deciding what flowers and color combinations that will be available that would work best. Would you be willing to make some suggestions? -  Risa - Mauldin, SC

Risa, My first thought was to turn that umbrella upside down! If you lay some fabric or somehow get your hands on some purple umbrellas, you could remove the fabric and spokes and use the vase as the handle. I am a bit concerned that with many flowers in a tall vase, it may tip over. Perhaps modeling clay could secure the vase to the table (although it won't work for a table cloth). Maybe put some sand in a mylar or plastic bag, covering the base/bulbous part of the vase to keep it from tipping onto guests. October still gives you lots of options for fresh flowers as sunshine prevails. Purple is a fun color to work with. You can accent with the right red for a rich look. You can add bright yellow for a hot contrast. Or, you could soften things a bit with a paler pink or white. Check out our web site for different kinds of flowers and you may settle on mums (huge range of colors) and alstromeria. Those two have a wide assortment of colors, are longer lasting than most flowers, and can be quite festive. What about a white lily with small purple chrysanthemums (pompons)? What about purple mini-carnations and white lilies? For the right-side up umbrella, try a few white lilies in the tall vase with a spray of bear grass underneath (forming the spokes of the umbrella). Just about any purple or white flower or combination would give you the color and the bear grass could give you the umbrella effect. Whatever you end up with, you really should take a digital image or two and submit your design to our contest. Look up some info on that on our web site, by clicking here and I hope your event is a memorable celebration!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I have access to tons of curly willow from two to eight feet tall give me some ideas for using it. Thanks so much. -  Jon - Bonsall, CA

Jon, What a great question! Millions of ideas come to mind. Florists use curly willow in all kinds of floral arrangements. Do you have a local wholesale florist or cooperative you could talk with? Maybe sell some to them? I like to use curly willow branches in Asian or Oriental arrangements (they use few flowers). Whimsical arrangements become more fun with the addition of some curly willow branches. Wrap some tender shoots around a vase or just about any container you can turn into a good vase (plastic or glass).ÐYou could make little stands to hold or show vases of cut flowers. On a table, branches laid around arrangements accent them. Spiral flowers through the curl to add support (something like gerberas would look cute staging them in this way; perhaps even lilies).Ð Hang flowers in floral tubes (with water and preservative) suspended in curly willow from the ceiling for a novel display. Whatever ideas you come up with, you should take a photo and submit to our floral design contest. More info is available by clicking here.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I am planning centerpiece decorations. I'd like to plant wheat grass in terra cotta pots and take Gerbera daisies and stand them up amongst the wheat grass. How can I get the daises to stay straight? Is it okay to use floral wire inserted in the stems? Should each daisy have a water source (maybe the tubes used by florists) or would the wire impede the water from getting through?

We're planning this for California (Sacramento area) on July 3rd, so it will be warm. I'm hoping my plan for the floral wire will work! What do you think, or do you have other suggestions? I'd appreciate your advice! -  Mashelle - Elk Grove, CA

Mashelle, Great idea! You really should use the water pics since it will be hot and they will last hours longer with the water source. If you can find the green plastic, pointed-end picks, you'll be in business! You can insert them, fill with water, then simply add the flowers at the last minute. You can wire gerberas; I'd recommend the old hook down the center rather than wrapping around. If you don't need much length beyond the 4" of tube, the hook method will work. For longer stems, the wrapping method will work better. Yet, your guests will be able to see the spiral of wire around the outside of the stem.Ð Why not take a photo and enter our contest? There is more information available by clicking here.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I want to arrange a flower, only one (big daisy) inside the water in a bowl, I don't want it to float, shall I put a weight on it? what kind of weight? -  Monica - Washington, DC

I'm looking for a web site where I can type in a certain flower and see what it looks like...Is there one? Thx! -  Donna - Westerly, RI

Dear Bridget, What is the actual dying process of cut flowers? For example, is it because they can't sustain themselves without the food they get from photosynthesis. -  Frances - Sydney, NSW

A few years ago I used to have a piece of paper that listed flowers and what the meaning was behind each one, like what a yellow rose meant and what a purple rose meant, etc.......... Do you know where I can find this, or can you direct me to someplace that might have that information? -  Alan - Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Bridget, I am doing a science project on if there is any special way or angle to cut flowers to prolong their life. I got carnations because my friend told me that they would work best in this type of expierement. Her mother is a florist. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And quickly, if possible. Thank you so much! -  Kelly - CA

Dear Bridget, I have some dried flowers that I have collected over the years that my children have given me. I was wondering do these dried flowers need to be sprayed with anything before I put them in an arrangement in a picture frame? -  Rosie - Jourdanton, TX

Dear Bridget, Why do Lilies of the valley (May flowers) only bloom in May? -   Dana - Lincoln, RI

Dear Bridget, I am doing an experiment. Which is better for cut flowers (daisies), tap water, bottled water, or rain water and why? I am not adding food to the flowers. Thank you. -   Debbie - Peabody, MA

Dear Bridget, I heard about your web site watching Fox and Friends one morning. My question is not about home decorating but about flowers for a wedding. I was thinking about doing some of the flowers for my wedding myself, namely the bouquets. My only concern is how to store the flowers so that they are fresh for the day of the wedding? And how long in advance I should buy them. I don't know if you can help me with this but I would really appreciate any advice you can give me. -  Caroline - Tucson, AZ

We attended a flower show recently and the designer suggested the best solution for Gerbera was a mixture of half bleach and half water. Is this something new? We've always used the regular amount of preservative in warm water. Quality flowers are our priority, so I'd appreciate any information you might have on Gerbera care and handling. Thank you. -  Rani - Oswego, NY

Rani, You can imagine my surprise at hearing a professional recommend something that isn't the best alternative. Once removed from the stem, fresh cut flowers do need a supply of carbohydrates (like sugar) to continue to grow and develop (open fully). Bleach and water don't have that sugar source. Without that carbohydrate supply, the flower will die quickly. The problem is, once you add a sugar source, the algae and bacteria begin to grow rapidly as well. That's why commercial preservatives have an acidic component, like bleach but not exactly bleach. What is best for the fresh cut flower is a combination of carbohydrate in an acidic water supply.

The carbohydrate supplies the food source and the low pH will inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria. An aspirin can lower pH a bit, but doesn't do the job completely or very well. Sugar supplies food, but will encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria. Bleach lowers the pH, but supplies the flower with no food source. Regular tap water has no sugar and (depending on where you live) could be slightly acidic but not enough to prohibit growth of fungi and bacteria. This leads us to the scientific conclusion that the best food is provided while the flower is on the plant.

The second best source is a commercially developed floral preservative which contains a carbohydrate source and is combined with an acidifying component to deter the growth of fungi and bacteria which will clog the stem and stop water from getting taken up (also needed). The best thing that can be done for fresh cut flowers is to remove about an inch from the bottom (straight or angular cut matters not) while that end of the stem is submerged under water. Then, dissolve a measured amount of floral food in a measured amount of warm water (about 110F or would be comfortable for a warm shower or bath). This solution should be changed every three to five days and replenished with a fresh mixture. I hope that helps.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I recently did a plant with fresh carnations (in water tubes w/ floralife) for my grandmother. My problem is - within 24 hours the carnations started to droop. I am not sure what I did wrong. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!! -  Misi - Hicksville, OH

Hi, Misi. I doubt you did anything wrong, but someone else probably did. Carnations are one of the more long-lived fresh cut flowers when treated properly. They are, however, very sensitive to a colorless, odorless gas called ethylene. Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant hormone (no effect on people) that causes fruit to ripen and flowers to die. Ethylene is formed around ripening fruit. Have you ever put tomatoes in a paper bag to help them ripen? The fruit produces ethylene gas and hastens the ripening process. Bad things happen to carnations when they are exposed to ethylene - they wilt. Most carnations today are treated to reduce the effect of ethylene on them. Ethylene is produced in cigarette smoke and is in the exhaust of most combustion engines. Fireplaces give off some ethylene when wood burns. It would appear to me that, because the carnations were hydrated (you used water tubes), that the more likely cause of wilting was exposure to ethylene without proper treatment. The carnations could have been very old (stayed in the cooler a long time) and didn't show any problems until they warmed up. Some tips for the future (and please don't let this one bad experience turn you off from buying your grandmother flowers!): buy from a reputable florist, cut stems under water before arranging them in a vase or using a water tube, and use a measured amount of floral preservative in the water solution. I hope you and she will give another bouquet of carnations a try!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, Hi Bridget, I thought you would be the best person to ask, since you know so much about flowers. I am trying to do an experiment. How to turn growing flowers into some other color. For example if I bought white daises and its bloomed and still blooming how can I turn it into a different color? Would vinegar or food coloring help? -  Gaisor - Woodside, NY

Hi, Gaisor, This is a tough one because you won't be able to get any pigment in a high enough concentration for the roots to absorb without causing damage to the plant. With cut flowers, you an use white (carnations or daisies) and food color and create a colorful bouquet. Purchase some fresh white flowers and assemble some glass containers (metal tends to react with the coloring). Egg dyes on the market will work just as well as food color, and tend to give a richer color. Mix the food color with about 8 ounces of warm water, or dissolve the egg dye as the label suggests. Take the flower stems and submerge the bottom 2 inches under water and cut the bottom inch off with sharp scissors or knife (parents, please do this step for safety reasons). Place 2-3 flowers in each glass which now contains 8 ounces of warm water and the food or egg coloring. The water and dye will be absorbed as fast as a few hours, but more likely overnight. Much will depend on how warm the room is. You should see beautifully colored veins in the petals show the dye. As more is absorbed, the entire flower will turn color. The brightness of the color will depend much on how concentrated it is in the glass. So, you can see that this is rather tough to do in the soil because you cannot control the source of water the roots will take up. Horticulturists can manipulate hydrangeas by changing the pH of the soil. Lower pH (by adding ammonium to the soil in ammonium nitrate) will cause some flowers to turn blue. A higher pH (by adding calcium nitrate as a fertilizer to the soil) will cause the same flowers (in a different container) to turn pink. Unfortunately, we cannot yet do this for daisies in the ground. Happy Spring!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, I have to do centerpieces for 50 tables for a church event. It is a breakfast event where we are using 8 top tables. In previous years we have used azalea pots filled with assorted fruit, then the following year we reused the pots, sponged them with sage green paint and potted spring flowers in them. I was thinking about tulips, but I think the vases will be very expensive for 50 tables. Do you have any inexpensive ideas for containers? -  Shirley - Lewisville, TX

Shirley, Yes, lots! Anything plastic or glass (within reason) on sale at dollar stores makes a great container. Even colorful plastic tumblers (tall) that are in the bride's colors are great. Juice glasses would be cute (breakfast theme) and give shorter arrangements (easier to see over). Children's boots of all sizes and colors (you know those cute colorful rain boots, they make great containers and are water tight) but finding them on sale is a bit of a challenge. Do you have a Goodwill store nearby? Discounted tea cups of all shapes and sizes (mugs are easier to work with) on the sale rack at your favorite general merchandise store are fun, too. They are especially nice if you have saucers with the tea cups. One trick I learned was to take a brick of oasis (the floral foam) soaked in water with preservative. Cut the brick into eight pieces (to give eight rectangles about 2 x 2 x 4" high). Arrange some flowers in the top (2x2) of the foam. Cover the outside with colorful mylar (the balloon plastic) and by wrapping the plastic/mylar square around it (much like a "bunch" of flowers). It looks like a vase, it holds water and the flowers, and is very inexpensive! Good luck.   - Bridget

Dear Bridget, For my wedding in June I plan on wearing a fresh flower wreath (spray roses, lily of the valley, orchids). I'm concerned that my wreath might look wilted halfway through my special day. What can I do? Is there any kind of special solution I can inject into the flowers? -  Hannah - Copenhagen, DK

Hannah, Congratulations to you and your husband-to-be! I know the day will be even more special with the flowers you have chosen. While it is true that some of the flowers may look a bit wilted, this is normal and to be expected. There are no solutions to inject to make it last longer, but I have a few suggestions. First, keep the wreath as cool as possible. That makes sense for you (the bride) to be cooler rather than warmer. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will help. You don't say specifically, but I believe that wreath will be in your hair. If there is any way to mist some water on the blooms at some point midway between the ceremony and any celebrations, your blooms may look a bit fresher. It will be difficult to do this in your hair, for obvious reasons. So, I would suggest you work with a reputable florist who gives flowers the best of care and simply enjoy your happy day knowing that the memories will last longer than, yet be as beautiful as, your flowers.   - Bridget

My daughter is getting married in April. I'm having a small bud vase on each table with a carnation. I was wanting to use a little more color in it so I'm wanting to put lavender bubble bath in with the water. My question is would that hurt the carnation in any way. -  Shelia - Centralia, IL

Shelia, Soap (bubble bath) in small amounts (1 teaspoon per gallon water) is not harmful to flowers or plants. In larger amounts, it is. So, I would recommend you use a combination of red and blue food coloring the day of the wedding to give a lavender color. The bubble bath could be on tables in small bottles. It might be fun to use lavender bubbles and have the wands there for people to blow bubbles at the happy couple. I would not, however, recommend the bubble bath for the flowers.   - Bridget

First, I'm an AP Biology teacher, so my question is rather technical, but in general it is, "Why do some species of flowers last longer than others after they've been cut... assuming that they're getting the exact same type and amount of plant food?"

Thanks for asking and good luck with your class!   - Bridget

Dear Bridget: I got a dozen roses for Valentines Day and they had started to die the same day. When I got them they were all closed and then a few hours later they were all open and some were even drooping. They didn't come with any food and I don't have any at home. Is there any hope for them? What can I do for next time to keep them from dying so quickly?Thank you. -  Helen - OH

Please don't give up on flowers! Try another retailer if you don't get the satisfaction you deserve.Thanks for asking!   - Bridget

Do seasonal flowers grow just as good as out of season? -  Elizabeth - Phoenix, AZ

Elizabeth, Sorry to tell you, but in-season refers to the availability of flowers. Many are shipped from around the globe, keeping them "in season." But, they do not grow well (sometimes not at all) when out of season. Tulips are a good example. They are available only during spring months, and would not be available (or rarely available) in summer seasons.   - Bridget

What do Carnations need in order to survive? -  Alexandra - Brandon, FL

Hi, Alexandra, Once removed from the stem, fresh cut flowers do need a supply of carbohydrates (like sugar) to continue to grow and develop (open fully). Without that carbohydrate supply, the flower will die quickly. The problem is, once you add a sugar source, the algae and bacteria begin to grow rapidly as well. What is best for the fresh cut flower (including carnations) is a combination of carbohydrate in an acidic water supply. The carbohydrate supplies the food source and the low pH will inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria. An aspirin can lower pH a bit, but doesn't do the job completely or very well. Sugar supplies food, but will encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria. Vinegar lowers the pH, but supplies the flower with no food source. Regular tap water has no sugar and (depending on where you live) could be slightly acidic but not enough to prohibit growth of fungi and bacteria. This leads us to the scientific conclusion that the best food is provided while the flower is on the plant.

The second best source is a commercially developed floral preservative which contains a carbohydrate source and is combined with an acidifying component to deter the growth of fungi and bacteria which will clog the stem and stop water from getting taken up (also needed). The best thing that can be done for fresh cut flowers is to remove about an inch from the bottom (straight or angular cut matters not) while that end of the stem is submerged under water. Then, dissolve a measured amount of floral food in a measured amount of warm water (about 110F or would be comfortable for a warm shower or bath). This solution should be changed every three to five days and replenished with a fresh mixture. I hope that helps! Have fun!   - Bridget

I'm doing a study on the effects of aspirin on preserving roses. could you give me some ideas on how I should test the theory. -  Lana - Kapolei, HI

Lana, There are lots of fresh flower fallacies, among them aspirin, 7-Up or Sprite, vinegar, pennies, sugar, and combinations of those. Nothing extends flower like commercially prepared floral preservative. Why? It was developed with both a acidic component (to kill algae and bacteria which clog the water conducting tissue vital to get water and food up the stem) and a nutrition component (since the flower will no longer produce enough food for the continued development of the bud through photosynthesis). Most home remedies don't have both, and the combinations made a home promote the growth of bacteria and algae faster than they promote floral development. Stick with properly measured floral preservative dissolved in a measured amount of warm (about 110F or bath comfortable) water.

I guess I'd take the scientific route and buy some floral preservative and 6 roses. Get three glasses (tall drinking glasses) and buy the flowers. Into each glass, pour 8 oz. of warm water. Then, dissolve in each glass 1 teaspoon of either sugar, one ground aspirin, or commercial preservative. Re-cut the stem under water (cut off about 1/2 inch to 1inch of the bottom of the stem while holding about 2-3 inches of the stem under water). Do this for all 6 roses. Put 2 in each vase. It would be great if you could afford 3-4 for each vase. Watch for 7-10 days and see what happens. Photographs take each day are a nice way to document the development of the experiment. Have fun!   - Bridget

I need an idea to cheaply decorate 20 tables for a 20 year class reunion! Do you have any ideas? -  Tina - West Jordan, UT

The easiest thing would be to get some daisy pom pom chrysanthemums and carnations and put three daisy mums and two carnations in each bud vase. The bud vases can be purchased inexpensively at many stores. I'd suggest a reputable supermarket floral department to purchase the flowers. A stem of baker fern or other greens might add a nice touch. You'd be under about $3 to $5 per table with this (depending on the prices). Have fun!   - Bridget

Hello, I am giving a baby shower. I would like to do the flowers myself. I have chosen fresh white daisies for the theme. My question is.. How can I add daisies to the tables, being that they are round with an umbrella attached in the middle of them? I definitely want some of the daisies on the table, whether it be arrangements of some sort, or anything to keep the daisy theme near the guests where they will be seated. Thank You for your input. -  Theresa

Hi, Theresa: Manufacturers are getting better about making containers for common uses that there is no good container, except these outdoor umbrella tables! I would suggest making my own, from aluminum foil. If you have the budget and check the opening size (where the umbrella fits) a bunt pan may do the trick. You'd have to put the pan in before the umbrella, and add the flowers the day of the shower. Two C or U shaped containers would work well, and should hold floral foam chunks (purchased a the florist or craft store) soaked in water & preservative (if they don't already have some dried fresh flower food imbedded in them). Cut 1-2" chunks and put those in the foil containers that are C or U shaped. The containers wouldn't need to be more than 3" tall and long enough to fit around the umbrella. Make 2 centerpieces for each table, and have the open ends of the C or U meet around the umbrella. You could add the greens the day before and the daisies the night before. Have fun!   - Bridget

Hey, I am doing a science experiment on how to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers. What I have decided to do is have 6 of the same flower and add different floral preservatives and solutions in order to see which flower will live the longest. Do you think this is suitable, and if you have any suggestions please tell. How long would a flower with a bought preservative last? Thanks heaps, -  Jess - Sydney, NSW

Dear Jess: A familiar science project for me. Here is my suggested approach. Buy some floral preservative and 6 carnations. Get three glasses (tall drinking glasses) and buy the flowers about 14 days before the report is due. Into each glass, pour 8 oz. of warm water. Then, dissolve in each glass 1 tablespoon of either sugar, vinegar, or preservative. Re-cut the stem under water (cut off about 1/2 inch to 1inch of the bottom of the stem while holding about 2-3 inches of the stem under water). Do this for all 6 carnations. Put 2 in each vase. It would be great if you could afford 3-4 for each vase. Carnations are going to last a few weeks -that's why I suggested 2 weeks ahead of the report. If the report is due sooner (and you have more money) use roses. They will only last about a week, but you should see an effect in a few days (3 or so). After Mother's Day, carnations are about $1 per stem (sometimes $0.50) and roses are about $2 per stem (or less). Good luck!   - Bridget

Would aspirin, sugar, vinegar, or just regular tap water work the best on cut flowers? -  Carol - Aurora, IL

Hi, Nadine. - Once removed from the stem, fresh cut flowers do need a supply of carbohydrates (like sugar) to continue to grow and develop (open fully). Without that carbohydrate supply, the flower will die quickly. The problem is, once you add a sugar source, the algae and bacteria begin to grow rapidly as well. What is best for the fresh cut flower is a combination of carbohydrate in an acidic water supply. The carbohydrate supplies the food source and the low pH will inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria. An aspirin can lower pH a bit, but doesn't do the job completely or very well. Sugar supplies food, but will encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria. Vinegar lowers the pH, but supplies the flower with no food source. Regular tap water has no sugar and (depending on where you live) could be slightly acidic but not enough to prohibit growth of fungi and bacteria. This leads us to the scientific conclusion that the best food is provided while the flower is on the plant. The second best source is a commercially developed floral preservative which contains a carbohydrate source and is combined with an acidifying component to deter the growth of fungi and bacteria which will clog the stem and stop water from getting taken up (also needed). The best thing that can be done for fresh cut flowers is to remove about an inch from the bottom (straight or angular cut matters not) while that end of the stem is submerged under water. Then, dissolve a measured amount of floral food in a measured amount of warm water (about 110F or would be comfortable for a warm shower or bath). This solution should be changed every three to five days and replenished with a fresh mixture. I hope that helps!   - Bridget

I need many arrangements and advise. I am having a wedding and want Lily of the Valley. Please direct me as to where to go and find some arrangements. My wedding is in October 2003. I desperately need your help. -  Carol

Dear Carol - Ah, wedding dreams are wonderful, are they not? I suspect you are as much in love with the scent of lily of the valley as your betrothed. It being a naturally summer flowering rhizome with limited post-harvest life, you are asking quite a bit of mother nature and commercial horticulture. Illinois has some talented florists and I would start there, but begin to think about some alternatives. You may be able to acquire some, and I would suggest those go at the back of your bridal bouquet where you can see them and enjoy their fragrance. White roses and white lilies have equally pleasing scents and may be more plentiful and affordable. Think about why you want lily of the valley and see if your professional florist can help. Give them some options and I know your day will be fabulous! Congratulations!! Regards,   - Bridget

Hello Professor Behe. I have one very quick question. Why do flowers, specifically roses, die more quickly in my home than they do on the bush. What is the rose not getting in a vase that it would on the bush. I was wondering if you could share with me the things a rose loses of the plant. Thank you very much. -  Jodi - Chicago, IL

Dear Jodi - Human's can't exactly duplicate the food nature provides. We come close. With good care from production, through harvest, and in your home, roses can last up to 14 days. Yet, when we buy them, they've already been off the plant a few days. Great commercial floral foods simulate what the plant provides, but the best we humans can do is come close to what nature does best. Regards,   - Bridget

Hi, it's Grace with another question. Can you tell me other things about the other remedies I have.

Here they are:

1. Vinegar
2. Pennies
3. Bleach
4. Windex
5. Keeping Flowers In The Coldest Room Of Your House With Aspirin In The Vase Lemon
6. Juice

Thanks again! You were so prompt last time, I really appreciate it!
-  Grace - Winnetka, IL

Hi, Grace - Remembering that a good (effective) floral preservative has both an acid component and a carbohydrate (sugar) component, let's see what each of these home remedies has to offer. The acid reduced the pH of the water to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi which clog the water uptake vessels.

1. Vinegar - Acid component but no sugar.
2. Pennies - Copper which could act similar to the vinegar, but again no sugar.
3. Bleach - Acid component but no sugar.
4. Windex - Acid component (ammonia) but no sugar.
5. Keeping Flowers In The Coldest Room Of Your House With Aspirin In The Vase - Aspirin acts like an acid (but no sugar component. Coolness keeps the flowers from needing much sugar.
6. Lemon Juice - Acid component but no sugar.

None of these home remedies works as well as a commercially produced floral preservative (food) because that's what the preservative was made to do - keep flowers alive for as long as possible when cut off the plant.
Sincerely,   - Dr. Bridget Behe

Hi, Grace - I'm glad you wanted to verify what you heard. Thanks for asking! There are basically two parts to a floral preservative: an acid and a sugar. They are formulated specifically for fresh flowers and work together to kill bacteria and fungi (what the acid part does) and the sugar provides a source of food (carbohydrates the plant would have produced to keep the flower alive). Aspirins are acidic when dissolved in water, but aren't a very good floral preservative because they lack sugar. You may also have heard that citric soda pops (like Sprite and 7-Up) are floral preservatives because they are slightly acidic and have lots of sugar. Wrong again! The best floral food (or preservative) is one that is commercially prepared. Remember to follow the directions on the package because too much floral food is as bad as too little. Use warm water in the vase to dissolve the preservative/floral food and make a clean cut at the base of the stem to insure the flower has an open passage for water to be taken up. Thanks, again, for asking us!   - Bridget

Daisies, either wild or cultivated, have their lifetime set by nature. The best we can do as we bring them indoors is to have the indoor life last as long as what it might have been on-the-plant. I'll assume that you mean a cultivated (store-bought) daisy. The best solution is a professional one - literally. Nearly every fresh flower will benefit from the addition of professionally-developed preservative which is then dissolved in warm water (about 110F or the temperature of a warm bath water) and changed every 3-5 days to replenish the supply. You can buy packets at the supermarket or florist and some bouquets and arrangements come with a packet or two. Thanks!   - Bridget

This is a common, but false, concept that pennies will add life. Tulips themselves are short-lived. The study might last longer (and you would see some real differences) if you used carnations or chrysanthemums (naturally longer lasting). I'd use an aspirin in on (dissolved in warm water), a penny in another, and some measured floral food dissolved in a fourth. You should have just plain warm water for a comparison. Watch to see how long the flowers last. About every 4 or 5 days, change the water with the same contents (replace the water with a penny with water and that same penny). The flowers in warm water with floral food could last up to three weeks (if you got them at their freshest). Have fun!!   - Bridget

This is a tough one! The flowers won't last long (a few hours) without a source of water and flower food (preservative). That's why containers and floral foam are essential to long flower life. Realizing you'll only have a few hours, I would cut the cockscomb that morning and lay them around a circle in the center of the table or perhaps on a mirrored surface (can you borrow some decorative mirrors)? You could place a candle in the center and maybe wrap the tulle in waves around the stems lying on the table to create a wreath. If you have two weeks before the wedding, you might consider drying some. Cut them and bundle in groups of 6-8 with a twist-tie or wire. Hang them in a warm dry place - upside down so the points of the flowers are pointing to the floor. They should dry in a few days to a week (depending on the humidity in the room). You can then arrange them upright in borrowed containers. Be very careful to NOT use tulle or candles with the dried flowers - it may be too much of a fire hazard if the candle were to be knocked over. I'd invest a small amount of money in floral preservative, borrow some fun containers (anything non-metal can be used as a container), mix the preservative up, cut the cockscomb, and arrange them with some wild queen anne's lace or purchased caspia (a lavender filler like baby's breath) and make some centerpieces. People want to splurge on food, but flowers celebrate a special occasion with elegance, too. Encourage your friend to reconsider. You can make single stems look elegant with proper care (using water and floral preservative). I wish them the very best!

All fresh flowers need water and some food to continue to live. Although the life of many fresh flowers is limited, you can extend it by providing a clean source of water (changing it every 3 days or when it gets cloudy) and providing some floral food. It's best to use professionally made floral food, not aspirins or pennies or bleach. Use a measured amount of floral food (follow the directions on the packet) dissolved in warm water (comfortable to the touch, as for a bath or shower). Be sure to cut off about 1/2 inch of the bottom of the stem. This clean cut, whether straight or at an angle, will provide the best avenue to draw up water and floral food. Keep your fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and warm & cold drafts. Cooler temperatures, down to refrigeration temperatures, will help extend the life, too. Maybe display them on a table when you're home, and put them in a cooler place (basement or other cool, shady spot) when you're not home. And, by all means, return the favor - buy some for him and pick up a bunch for yourself as a treat!

Most tulips are purchased in the tight-bud stage, showing enough color to insure they will open but not showing too much color that they are open and past their prime selling point. This would reduce the time consumers, like you, have to enjoy the flower. Let me assure you that you've done nothing wrong with their care. Isn't it incredible how they responded to the floral food (preservative)? I've seen this first hand and it's a natural phenomenon. I'd encourage you to keep them in a cooler place if possible. This will keep them from opening as wide and elongating as much. Could you store them in a cool place while you're out of the home and put them back on the table when you return? I know it's a lot of moving, but you will extend the life by keeping them in a cooler spot. Curly willow is treated much the same. Treat it as you would most other cut flowers, including the tulips. Be sure you have a fresh cut at the bottom of the stem by removing about 1 inch. Place the stems in warm water with a measured amount of preservative, and change the solution every 5 to 7 days (before it gets cloudy). Remove any leaves that may lie under water as they promote the growth of fungi and algae, which clog the stem and inhibit the necessary water and nutrients to be taken up the stem.

Many flowers we know and love are available at many times of the year - roses and carnations for example. However, flowers have a botanical season that may limit how successful growers are throughout the world in producing them. Check with your local floral professional if you have a specific desire for certain flowers at times when they may not be advertised widely or available in large quantities. The numerous varieties of high-quality fresh-cut flowers are available every day from floral professionals all over the country. Most can accommodate special requests, but make them several weeks in advance to be sure your floral passion can be brought into the professional's store. You may be surprised at what types of flowers are available all year round.

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