The Silent Flower Killer

The #1 killer is Ethylene Gas

What is Ethylene Gas? Ethylene gas is a naturally-occurring plant hormone. It is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas released during the natural ripening process of flowers, fruits and vegetables. It causes florals & vegetables to wilt, & fruit to ripen & decay. Can you prevent Ethylene Gas from developing? The answer is No. Ethylene is a gas the occurs naturally in nature. All fruits, vegetables and flowers produce ethylene gas in varying amounts.

Experts estimate that up to 30% of floral products perish prematurely due to the harmful effects of ethylene gas.

But you can control the amount of ethylene gas around your flowers. First, you want to keep your florals away from fruit and vegetables. Next you want to keep florals away from damaged plants or flowers, in the process of spoiling. Finally, keep flowers away from warm surfaces, this speeds up the ripening process. Controlling ethylene gas will extend the life cycle of your florals-allowing them to be held for a much a longer period of time. Experts estimate that up to 30% of floral products perish prematurely due to the harmful effects of ethylene gas.

Here are basic care instructions for your flowers once you get them home:

1. Begin with a clean vase. If possible, do not use water from a softener for the flowers. The sodium (salt) content may decrease the life of some flowers.

2. Always add Fresh Flower Food to the water, following packet or label directions. Fresh Flower Food hydrates and nourishes flowers for the maximum enjoyment.

3. Remove all of the foliage from below the water line. This prevents the foliage from decaying and keeps the water cleaner and the stems free flowing.

4. Give all flowers a fresh cut before placing them into flower food solution. It helps ensure hydration.

5. Flowers will live longer if not placed in direct sunlight, in a draft or on a television set.

6. Replenish the vase/container with a Fresh Flower Food solution as needed, due to water uptake and evaporation.

To revive a wilted rose, remove it from the vase/arrangement. Re-cut the stem under water (cut off the bottom inch of the stem). Place the flower into a warm water/flower food solution for one hour or until the flower becomes firm. When it becomes firm, you can return it to the vase/arrangement.

Flower Care Do's and Don'ts:

Don't leave flowers out of water for extended periods.

Be sure to get them home and into water as soon as possible!

Don't put flowers in a warm setting (i.e., sunny spot or on a television). Warm water signals flowers to hurry up and open, thus shortening your enjoyment.

Do Follow the directions on the flower food package - mixing incorrectly is as bad or worse than not using any flower food at all.