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Valentine Bouquet Flower Care

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Valentine Bouquet Flower Care

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Valentine Bouquet Flower Care. 

Figure 1 Gaillardia flowers - Click to enlarge image.

Everyone loves receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Flowers that hold up well in water include the obvious rose, other cut flowers not so evident that do well too are gerberas, salvias, bird of paradise, zinnia and gaillardia.

The University of Florida recommends that once you've brought your bouquet of flowers inside, remove any leaves, blossoms or thorns that will end up underwater. Leaving any of the submerged plant material will decay which can shorten the life of the flowers. Cut one-half to one inch off the stems on an angle with a sharp, clean knife. Place them in a clean vase filled with fresh water and, if you have it, flower food and/or preservative. Check the level of water daily in the vase and replenish if needed. If the container water turns yellow, cloudy or smells, wash the vase with soapy water and add fresh water and add ¼ teaspoon of bleach per quart to the container every 3 to 4 days. Re-cut and rinse the stems before placing them back into the container. Avoid placing your arrangement in direct sun.

For information on plant care call the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener hotline at 233-1700.

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