How to Keep Wildflowers Alive in a Vase
- 1). Cut each stem underwater, making the new cut about 2 inches above the original one, and at a slant, with an X-Acto or other sharp knife. Sear the ends of any stems that are oozing milky sap with a quick application of flame.
- 2). Heat water to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and pour it into a clean vase. Place the flowers in the warm water, and set the vase in a cool place for several hours. The warmth stimulates the intake of fluid into the stems.
- 3). Add preservative to the water. Commercial preservative contains nutritional sugars, acids which help maintain proper pH levels, and inhibitors of mold, algae and bacteria which can block the flow of fluids through the stems.
- 4). Place the flowers in a cool area which is free of drafts and heat sources. At night, and when you are away, place the vase in the refrigerator. Maintain the original water level, and remove any leaves and other debris that may fall into the water.
- 5). Change the water and preservative mixture, and re-trim the ends of the flowers, every two days. Remove any stems that are soft, wilted or appear to be rotting.
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