A few tips for Valentine's Day flowers:

Guest Blogger - Dr. Karen Panter

• Use a clean vase
• Luke-warm water is best
• Remove any foliage that might be under water in the vase
• Using a clean, sharp knife or pruners, cut the lower 1/2 to 1 inch off the stems
• Place immediately in vase full of water
• Floral preservatives may help but if none are available simply use tap water and change it every day or two
• Re-cutting stems every day or two will also help extend vase life
• Keep the flowers out of chilly drafts and away from forced-air heat vents
• And enjoy!

Fresh cut flowers vary greatly in their vase life (roses up to a week, sunflowers over two weeks) but following the basic guidelines above will maximize their vase life.

Karen Panter, Ph.D., C.P.H.

Extension Horticulture Specialist

Plant Sciences – Department 3354

University of Wyoming

1000 East University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: 307–766-5117

Fax: 307-766-5549

E-mail: kpanter@uwyo.edu