HAWAII FLORIST TIP: EXTENDING FLOWER LIFE

All vases should be clean and water should be topped up regularly, and if necessary, replaced with clean water. A drop or two of bleach will help keep the water bacteria -free. You can also purchase flower food that you can put in the water.

Cutting the stems of your flowers regularly will also prolong their life.

Never put flowers in direct sun or near a heater, and avoid draughts.

Make sure that all foliage below the waterline is removed, and do not put flowers near ripening fruit; the ethylene gas generated by the fruit will make your flowers deteriorate much more quickly.

A few flowers have specific needs; please feel free to ask for advice if you are concerned about your flowers.

Flowers should last for a minimum of five days, provided you follow the above guidelines.

Do not put your flowers in the refrigerator. Florists' refrigerators are generally set a higher temperature and humidity than your household appliance, so flowers are best kept at room temperature.

Flowers will drink best if placed in lukewarm water; in fact flowers can often be revived if you cut the stems and place them up to their necks in a bucket of lukewarm water.