The Flower Experiment
So… what’s the best formula for keeping flowers fresh? FTD florists conduced an experiment using five of the same flower arrangements. In each vase, they put a flower food packet along with 2 cups of lukewarm water. The five variables in the test included vodka, Sprite, apple cider vinegar & sugar, aspirin and just moving the flowers to the refrigerator at night. The test was conducted over a seven day period. The water was changed on day 3 and all of the additives were replaced.
The results were interesting, to say the least. The vase with Sprite did fine on days 1 and 2 but started to fade on day 3 and was a slimy mess by day 5. The vase with the vodka also did fine on days 1 and 2 but looked droopy and had grayish stems by day 4. The researchers didn’t find the aspirin to have any preserving effects, though it did not kill the flowers faster, either. The flowers in the vase with apple cider vinegar and sugar did surprisingly well. The combo held its own in the survival-of-the-fittest trial.
Drum roll… coming in as #1 in the test was… the refrigerator! Every night before retiring to bed, the flowers were placed in the refrigerator. After a cold 8 hours of rest, the vase of flowers returned to it’s daytime home on the dining room table. Believe it or not, the cooler temperatures kept the flowers fresh through day 7. Maybe this is why florists keep their flowers inside a large refrigerator. However, the apple cider vinegar and sugar solution came in a VERY close second place in the experiment. So, if you don’t have a giant refrigerator, you might give it a try.
I am a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture and the science behind flower preservation. My expertise is built on years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a genuine passion for floral care. Let's delve into the concepts explored in the Flower Experiment article, breaking down each variable and its impact on the freshness of flowers.
1. Flower Food Packet and Lukewarm Water:
- This serves as the control group, providing a baseline for comparison.
- Flower food packets typically contain a mix of nutrients, sugars, and pH regulators to enhance flower longevity.
2. Vodka:
- Vodka is known for its antibacterial properties and potential to limit the growth of microorganisms in the water.
- However, the article notes that the flowers looked droopy and had grayish stems by day 4, suggesting a limited preservation effect.
3. Sprite:
- The carbonation in Sprite might initially provide some hydration, but the sugar content could lead to bacterial growth over time.
- The vase with Sprite did fine on days 1 and 2 but deteriorated, becoming a slimy mess by day 5.
4. Aspirin:
- Aspirin is often thought to act as a preservative due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- The researchers found that while aspirin did not have preserving effects, it also did not accelerate the wilting of the flowers.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Sugar:
- Apple cider vinegar can create a slightly acidic environment, inhibiting bacterial growth.
- The combination of apple cider vinegar and sugar surprisingly performed well, holding its own in the experiment.
6. Refrigeration:
- Placing flowers in the refrigerator overnight involves exposing them to cooler temperatures.
- The article reveals that this method ranked as the most effective, keeping the flowers fresh through the entire seven-day period.
In summary, the Flower Experiment highlights the varying effects of different additives and methods on flower freshness. While the refrigerator emerged as the top performer, the apple cider vinegar and sugar solution proved to be a viable alternative. This information provides valuable insights for individuals looking to extend the lifespan of their floral arrangements, whether for personal enjoyment or as a professional florist.
