Post # 1
Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
I just got my flowers delivered from fiftyflowers and forgot that I need to get flower food!
I found a recipe to make some from Ehow: 1 T sugar in a quart of lukewarm water and 1t of either lemon juice, bleach, or vinegar (I think I’d use vinegar).
I’m worried about ruining my flowers because I forgot to be prepared, either killing them or not helping them open up. I might just put them in fresh water until I can get the food unless someone has a better suggestion.
If anyone knows, thanks!
Post # 3
Member
2027 posts
Buzzing bee
The sugar, bleach and lemon juice will do just fine, but just remember that warm water opens your buds, so unless you are ready for them to open, put them in cooler water. Fifty flowers usually has a recommendation on how long each type of flower takes to open…check witht the site. And remember to diagonally cut each stem so that they can soak up the water…this needs to be done every day, as well as changing the water for the best results.
Post # 4
Member
400 posts
Helper bee
I know bleach works well for flowers, but you might not want it around your dress…
Post # 5
Member
2434 posts
Buzzing bee
The most important thing is to get them in water ASAP! Cut an inch or so off the ends and get them in water.
I had my flowers delivered (from Blooms by the Box) on Thursday for a Saturday wedding and I just put them in water- no flower food and they were fine (mostly roses).
Post # 6
Member
14186 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I make my flowers last the longest by just going with sugar and water, but trimming the bottoms off ABOVE the lowest knob. Those knobs in the roses can inhibit water uptake if that’s at the very base. You want a stem part. I haven’t heard of bleach and I wouldn’t want them dripping that AT ALL. And flowers are moist. and bleach smells!!!
Also, trim your stems every other day. They get shorter and shorter, but if you don’t have a long time to go, you want them taking up as much water as you can so they don’t become dehdrated.
Post # 7
Member
558 posts
Busy bee
I don’t know who told you to use bleach, but that is NOT a good idea! I used to work as a florist, and I can tell you right now that bleach is bad. Sugar water is okay, but honestly, just plain ol’ lukewarm water works best. Flower food is more of a preservative, it doesn’t really do anything help the flowers open. It mainly just keeps them alive and looking pretty longer. I say put them in fresh lukewarm water ASAP, and then get some flower food later and add it to the fresh water when you change it tomorrow.
Post # 8
Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
Thanks! I was very suspicious when I read about making your own flower food at home. I put them in water right away this morning and they seem to be doing fine. I snipped the bottoms and will do that each day, but I haven’t added anything else. Fingers crossed for Sunday!
Post # 9
Member
2271 posts
Buzzing bee
Exactly what is in flower food anyway?
Post # 10
Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
I just wanted to come back to leave the resolution in case anyone has this question in the future.
I got packets of flower food (just like you’d get with a bouquet) for free at the Kroger floral department. I even asked the lady if I should pay for them, but she said I could take all I want. I still can’t believe I forgot to get some ahead of time, but I guess things are bound to slip through the cracks.
@bluespurrs : I’m no expert, but the best I can figure is that it keeps bacteria from growing in the water and helps the flowers stay fresh-looking and the buds to open. The flowers I purchased came in buds that will need to open over the next few days.
Post # 11
Member
1428 posts
Bumble bee
Bleach works really well!!! But yes, just be careful with your dress. Sugar works well too.
