Master flower arranger and author, Joanne Lenden says that cut
flowers (from the garden or market) will last much longer in the vase
when the water is changed daily, and a flower preservative is used. She
offers this formula for a home-made solution:
2 cups water
1 cup Sprite or Seven-Up, or similar soft drink containing sugar (not a sugar substitute) and citric acid.
Joanne’s book Flowers for Bouquest; Conditioning Plant Material for Flower Arranging,
is a wonderful guidebook for any gardener who loves bringing flowers,
leaves, fruits and seeds indoors; and is particularly helpful to those
gardeners who wish to exhibit their flowers in competitions. To order
Joanne’s book visit her web site at www.lenden.com