At 00:04 17/09/1998 GMT, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>
>Sunset magazine did a series of tests on extending vase life of
>cut flowers. My recollection is that 1 part 7-up to 3 or 4 parts
>water was the most effective of the homebrews... the citric acid
>dropped the pH to reasonably low levels, and the sucrose provided some
>carbohydrate.
The carbohydrate story will change with the species of flower. Both flower opening and senescence are energy requiring processes, so adding carbohydrate could promote senescence. My rule has always been to put some sugar in the vase when flowers are bought when in bud (poppies, carnations, roses) to help the flower open. But no sugar when the flowers are already open or nearly so. I always add some bleach.
Jamie
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