How To Save BIG On Flowers And Make Them Last Longer

Why in the heck do flowers cost so much at the florist?  Well I guess the answer is obvious; I call it a "convenience markup."  It's best to compare it to the prices you get at high end thrift stores in rich areas — yeah, it’s like that.  The good news is you can avoid this “convenience markup” on flowers if you live in a major city by going straight to the source:  the flower mart.  Plus, you’ll get a way bigger selection.  Combine those savings with a few flower arranging techniques, and your fresh-cut flower budget will last twice as long. 

Here are some things you can do the next time you buy flowers:

1. Try to buy direct from your local flower mart.  Go early in the morning and bring cash.  Small bills are best so you can have some room to negotiate.  Don’t show the salesman you have 20s.  Multiples of fives are good.  Other great priced sources are Trader Joe's, Home Depot, and Costco. 
2. Think about your color combo before you start to buy.  This will eliminate you getting home and not knowing what to do with what you bought.  Don't be scared of color.
3. Cut your stems under water and at an angle.  The water will prevent air from entering the stem and the angular cut will allow for more water absorption. 
4. A no-brainer:  Always place your fresh cut flowers in CLEAN vases.
5. Remove all the leaves from the stems that will touch the water.  This avoids bacteria from growing, and your flowers last longer.
6. Always ask for flower preservative packets.  They really work.  Another option is to add a little of clear citrus soda.  Not Diet!
7. Adding a ¼ tablespoon of bleach to your flower water will help the life of your flowers and kill any bacteria.

Flowers are a great way to make any room come to life.  Don’t be scared!  Make it a weekend event and get to the flower store.  Easy.

I decided to do an orange, pink and red combo.  Oh yeah, with a hint of green.  Trust me, it looks amazing!

Comments

[Eron Napier]

I'm awful with flowers - thanks for the info!

[Shirlene "The Big Ticket"]

Great information about the preserving the flowers, DJ! I actually prefer my flowers dead (after I 'kill' them of course). I get the flowers, cut the stem at an angle, put them in a vase with the packet of 'stuff' they come with, and wait almost a week. I take them out of the water, dry the stems, then put the flowers in the freezer (yeah weird...I know). When I think they have achieved their hardness (usually about a week, I take them out of the freezer, put them in a water-less vase until they defrost completely and die. I know the process sounds pretty weird but that's what I like to do! :)

Anyway, my problem lies with keeping plants alive though. I either give them too much water or not enough! That's the department I need help in...I guess it just depends on what type of plant I buy as my next victim! ;)