To make your cut lilacs last longer, there are a few key steps you can take. One important factor is conditioning the stems before arranging them in a vase. This process helps to hydrate the flowers and increase their longevity. Here’s a detailed guide on what you can put in the water to make lilacs last longer:
1. Gather your materials: You will need Quick Dip, deep clean water, a bucket, and floral preservative. Quick Dip is a product specifically designed to seal the cut ends of flowers and prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems, which can inhibit water uptake.
2. Prepare the Quick Dip: Quick Dip is a liquid solution that is typically used to dip the cut ends of flowers in order to seal them. Follow the instructions on the bottle and dilute it accordingly if necessary.
3. Cut the lilacs: Choose lilacs that are in the bud or just starting to open. Using sharp and clean pruning shears, make a fresh cut on each stem at a 45-degree angle. This angle increases the surface area for water uptake.
4. Quick Dip the stems: Dip the cut end of each lilac stem into the Quick Dip solution for about one second. This brief dip will effectively seal the cut end, preventing air bubbles from forming and blocking water uptake.
5. Prepare the conditioning bucket: Fill a clean bucket with deep clean water. Deep clean water refers to water that doesn’t contain any contaminants or impurities, such as chlorine or minerals. You can use distilled water or tap water that has been left out overnight to allow any chlorine to evaporate.
6. Add floral preservative: Floral preservatives are commercially available and can be purchased at garden centers or online. These preservatives contain a blend of nutrients and bactericides that help to keep the water clean and provide essential nutrients to the flowers. Follow the instructions on the packet and add the appropriate amount of preservative to the water in the bucket.
7. Place the lilacs in the conditioning bucket: Immediately after dipping the stems in Quick Dip, place the lilacs into the bucket of deep clean water with floral preservative. Ensure that all the stems are submerged in the water to allow for maximum hydration.
8. Condition the lilacs: Place the bucket with the lilacs in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Lilacs benefit from being conditioned in a cooler environment, as this helps to slow down their respiration rate and prolong their vase life. Allow the lilacs to condition for a few hours or overnight.
9. Refresh the water and preservative: After the conditioning period, remove the lilacs from the bucket and discard the water. Rinse the bucket thoroughly to remove any residue. Refill the bucket with fresh deep clean water and add a new batch of floral preservative according to the package instructions.
10. Arrange the lilacs in a vase: Trim the ends of the lilac stems again, this time at a 45-degree angle, before arranging them in a clean vase filled with the fresh water and preservative solution. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.
11. Display and care for the lilacs: Place the vase of lilacs in a cool location away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. Change the water every two to three days, refreshing the preservative as well. Trim the stems slightly each time you change the water to ensure optimal water uptake.
By following these steps and using Quick Dip, deep clean water, and floral preservative, you can effectively extend the vase life of your lilacs. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and maintain a clean environment for the flowers to thrive. Enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your lilacs for as long as possible!
