Ultimate Guide for Taking Care of Your Flowers: Part 3

Methods of Preserving Your Fresh Flowers

You do not need to be a Botanist to know that fresh flowers will eventually wilt and die. But, there are ways to extend the life of your flowers for another two to three weeks. Even better, you can preserve your blooms to keep them around longer.

Do these to preserve your most favorite blooms from Fiesta Flowers Plants & Gifts: 

The Vermont Process –

This was developed by a French couple, Ginette and Paul Lambert. This is commonly used in preserving roses of different kinds. The process can be done easily in your own home. It uses a mixture of one part warm water and two parts glycerin.

As the rose soaks in water, the glycerin replaces the water content of the rose. You can also add colorants and perfume to enhance the color of your flowers and to retain a nice smell.

When the process is done in the right manner, the result is a natural and fresh looking flower that is expected to last for years. It is best to put the preserved flowers in an airtight glass frame away from direct heat and water. 

The Paraffin Method –

Although this process preserves the flowers for shorter periods than the Vermont Method, it is still one of the best methods of flower preservation. The process can be used to keep the flowers in their fresh states for one to three weeks.

In this method, the flowers are coated with paraffin wax. The wax leaves a thin protective covering on the surface of the flower that cannot be removed easily. However, the flowers lose their natural fragrance with this process. 

Using Silica Gel –

Silica gels are widely used in the food industry to absorb moisture in the product and in the atmosphere. They serve the same purpose when used in flower preservation.

The process entails immersing the flowers in a desiccator filled with silica gels. If you have no available desiccator at home, you may use a sealed bowl.

Careful attention must be given to the product since the risk of over-drying the flowers is high. After two to three days remove the flowers from the desiccator and transfer them to an air-tight container.

Among all the methods of flower preservation, using silica gel is the most expensive. The cost of one pound of silica gel can be as high as $5. However, you can reuse silica gels for several uses.

Whether you choose to plant your own flowers or buy from Fiesta Flowers Plants & Gifts, there are ways to make your blooms last. Follow the tips in this ultimate guide for taking care of your flowers and enjoy your flowers and plants for a much longer time frame.