I know many things go better with Coke, but cut lilacs last longer, look fresher, and smell even better when fed a diet of 1 part 7 Up (NOT diet) and 2 parts water. Before you put them in the vase, smash the ends of the stems with a hammer or meat tenderizing mallet. It allows more water to be absorbed. This arrangement has been in my entryway for 5 days now and looks and smells as fabulous as when I first cut them!
Hi Susan: thanks for the tip, I have always been a big fan of adding sugar to the water. I will give your idea a try.
I love your lamp-simply gorgeous! I always use sugar and never knew the correct measurement-thank you Susan!!
Sean, Joel, Teresa and Mary Lou: Thanks for your comment and one additional point you only smash the stems of flowers with woody stems.
Nancy, Michelle, and Kathy: Thanks for commenting and I think you'll be amazed at how well it works.
Tori Lynn and Gene: The citric acid keeps the bacteria down and the sugar feed the flowers.
Sandra: I use Peruvian Lilies (astromelia) in my listing. They aren't very expensive ($2.99 @ Trader Joes) and they can last up to 2 weeks.
Thanks for the tip. We just learned that added a few pennies to cut tulips helps them stay standing.
Lori: It really work!
Cathy: Thanks. I got it in a junk store for a few bucks and I use it all of the time.
Maureen: They actually lasted a whole week.
Patty and Scott: I'm going to try that penny trick. Thanks.
Smashing stems and 7Up (not diet) - wonder how people ever think of trying these things!
This is always a challenge and with more homeowners demanding fresh for their staging, it's important to have that coke on hand. Thanks
Susan,
I'm envious of the beyond beautiful lilacs you have grown, OK that is now next on my list to plant! The foyer looks lovely!
There is a gardening group you should post this to, it would be a welcome addition.
Susan: My fiance of all people told me about the 7 up trick the first time he bought me roses. It really does work. I've heard it was from the sugar but could it also be the citrus? Isn't 7-up lemon/lime? That is beautiful arrangement of lilacs - so simple but elegant!
Just remembered where I heard the citrus thing. You can also soak apple or pear slices in Sprite/7-up to keep them from turning brown instead of using lemon juice -which leaves a sharp taste.
Lisa, Karen and Terrylynn: All I know is that it works and it just about triples the life of fresh flowers.
Cynthia: Thanks! i'll check in to it.
Holly: The sugar feeds the flowers and the citrus fights the bacteria.
Great tip! The floral looks beautiful :)
I am bummed we missed each other while I was in Seattle, but there's always next time ;)
Susan,
The lilacs are just beautiful! Thanks for the tip, I am going to try this with my next arrangement. Have you tried this with different flowers to see if their longevity is any better?
Cindy: Please let me know when you're up my way again.
Michelle: It works with just about everything but you only need to smash the stems of flowers with woody stems.
Lovely photo Susan. I LOVE lilacs and have fond memories of being in the backyard reading near their fragrance. One of my favorites and what a good tip. THANKS
Comments(32)