Valentine's Day bouquets can be kept fresh for weeks using common household items, according to an expert from GardeningExpress. While store-bought flower food packets are often small and short-lived, everyday ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, and even clear spirits can nourish blooms and slow bacterial growth.
A simple DIY flower food can be made by mixing a tablespoon of vinegar with a teaspoon of sugar in a litre of water. The vinegar helps prevent bacteria from building up in the vase, while the sugar provides essential nutrients for cut flowers. Alternatively, lemon juice increases the water's acidity, helping flowers absorb moisture more efficiently when combined with sugar.
Clear spirits like vodka or gin can slow the production of ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt. Adding just a few drops to the vase can make a significant difference, helping flowers stay upright and vibrant for longer. Crushing an aspirin tablet and adding it to the water can lower the pH and boost the plant's natural immunity against fungi.
Bleach can also be used in small amounts to kill bacteria, but care must be taken not to overdo it, as too much can damage delicate blooms. Clear fizzy lemonade, which contains both sugar and citric acid, can be diluted with water to create an effective flower food. The expert recommends trimming stems at an angle, removing leaves below the waterline, and changing the water every couple of days for optimal results.
