Flower Care Tips
%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%0A%3Cp%3EMost%20floral%20arrangements%20last%204-7%20days%20or%20longer%2C%20depending%20on%20the%20flowers%20used%20and%20the%20care%20they%20receive.%20The%20Society%20of%20American%20Florists%20provides%20these%20tips%20for%20longer-lasting%2C%20more%20vibrant%20flowers%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%0A%3Ch3%3EFor%20loose%20bunches%20or%20boxed%20flowers%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EKeep%20your%20flowers%20in%20a%20cool%20place%20until%20you%20can%20get%20them%20in%20a%20flower%20food%20solution.%20Don%26%2339%3Bt%20forget%20how%20important%20it%20is%20to%20follow%20the%20mixing%20directions%20on%20the%20flower%20food%20packet.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EFill%20a%20clean%2C%20deep%20vase%20with%20water%20and%20add%20flower%20food%20from%20your%20florist.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3ERemove%20leaves%20that%20will%20be%20below%20the%20waterline.%20Leaves%20in%20water%20will%20promote%20bacterial%20microbial%20growth%20that%20may%20limit%20water%20uptake%20by%20the%20flower.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3ERe-cut%20stems%20by%20removing%20one%20to%20two%20inches%20with%20a%20sharp%20knife.%20Place%20the%20flowers%20in%20the%20vase%20solution%20you%26%2339%3Bve%20prepared.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%0A%3Ch3%3EFor%20floral%20arrangements%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EKeep%20the%20vase%20filled%20(or%20floral%20foam%20soaked)%20with%20water.%20Flower%20foods%20make%20flowers%20last%20longer%20but%20it%20is%20important%20to%20follow%20the%20mixing%20directions%20on%20the%20flower%20food%20packet.%20Most%20packets%20are%20to%20be%20mixed%20with%20either%20a%20pint%20or%20a%20quart%20of%20water.%20Flower%20foods%20should%20not%20be%20diluted%20with%20more%20water%20than%20is%20specified%20on%20the%20packet.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EIf%20the%20water%20becomes%20cloudy%2C%20replace%20it%20entirely%20with%20new%20water.%20If%20possible%2C%20re-cut%20stems%20by%20removing%20one%20to%20two%20inches%20with%20a%20sharp%20knife.%20Be%20sure%20to%20use%20a%20sharp%20knife%20or%20clippers%20that%20will%20not%20crush%20the%20stems.%20Immediately%20place%20the%20stems%20into%20solution.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EKeep%20flowers%20in%20a%20cool%20spot%20(65%20to%2072%20degrees%20Fahrenheit)%2C%20away%20from%20direct%20sunlight%2C%20heating%20or%20cooling%20vents%2C%20or%20directly%20under%20ceiling%20fans.%20Most%20flowers%20will%20last%20longer%20under%20cool%20conditions.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%0A%3Ch3%3ESelecting%20Flowers%3C%2Fh3%3E%0A%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EWhen%20selecting%20flowers%2C%20look%20for%20flowers%20with%20upright%2C%20firm%20petals%20and%20buds%20beginning%20to%20open.%20Yellow%2C%20spotted%20or%20drooping%20leaves%20are%20signs%20of%20age.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%09%3Cli%3EWhen%20using%20woody%20stems%20and%20branches%20(such%20as%20quince%2C%20forsythia%20or%20lilac)%2C%20cut%20the%20stem%20with%20sharp%20pruning%20shears.%20Place%20them%20in%20warm%20water%20containing%20fresh%20flower%20food%20to%20promote%20flower%20opening.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A