DIY: Make Your Own Floral Preservative

We love flowers. What we don't like: their short life. So we use that little white package of floral preservative that accompanies some bouquets. Containing sugar, for nutrition; bleach, to keep the water free of bacteria; and, citric acid to acidify the water, it keeps our posies looking fresh and beautiful. You can also make your own. Recipe after the jump...

To a vase of warm water, add:

1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon household bleach
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice

Add cut flowers. Keep your arrangement in a cool place, away from heat and sun, and add fresh water daily.

[photo courtesy Judith Nayer]

Originally posted by Abby on AT:LA.

Comments (3)

When I did the flowers for my wedding, the flower vendor advised me to mix half Sprite or other clear, non-diet soda to and half water for flowers. It worked beautifully, and I've been using that 50/50 mixture ever since. Not that I can ever have flowers now, since the cats eat them as soon as they enter the house.

posted by nycflatcats on March 13th 2008 at 5:47am
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how is a solution containing bleach 'green'? I've always just used a tablespoon vinegar & sugar.

posted by Button on March 14th 2008 at 5:04am
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I'd leave out the bleach and do what button advised. Plus, I would hate what the bleach could do to my carpet or my tile coating (wax), and wouldn't want it anywhere near my cat.

posted by midnightskyfibers on April 3rd 2008 at 3:37pm
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