I have been using this hot water treatment a lot lately. It works great! The last time I used it, I had some roses from the grocery store that were drooping. They picked up their heads and lasted for another week.
Hot Water Treatment for Cut Flowers
The life of many cut flowers can be extended considerably by giving them a good drink of hot water right after you cut them. Here’s how to do it:
Cut your flowers early in the morning or in late afternoon.
Cut the stems at an angle. They should be 12-24 inches in length.
Heat water on the stove to a temperature of 160 – 180 degrees. Use a cooking thermometer to measure the temperature.
Pour the hot water into a plastic or metal bucket so that it is about 2-3 inches deep (you can also add a flower preservative like Floral Life).
Place the ends of the cut stems into the hot water and leave them there until the water cools.
Afterword, there will be a water mark on the stem where the hot water level was. Cut the stem at this mark.
Place them into cold water – and voila! You have very firm, hydrated flowers that will beautify your table for many days.
This works especially well on Dahlias, as well as Lilacs, Gladiolas, Roses, Hydrangea, and Sunflowers. Try it on other woody or semi-woody stemmed flowers.
