Does Sugar Prolong the Life of Cut Flowers?

Many cut flowers live longer when sugar is added to their water. Flowers get food from the plant on which they grow. When they are harvested or cut from this plant, they lose their natural food source. Flowers are cut before they are fully mature so that they have a longer bloom life. The cut flowers use food stored in the stems and leaves to stay fresh and continue blooming. If they do not get enough food, the leaves and flowers wilt. Young buds may not fully open. Food can be added by mixing sugar in the vase water. The dissolved sugar is absorbed through the cut stem and used by the flower.

Most cut flowers benefit from a 2 percent sugar solution in the vase. Some flowers should not have sugar or should have a lower amount of sugar. Others can benefit from a higher amount of sugar in the water. A 2 percent solution is about 4 level tsps. of sugar dissolved in 1 qt. of water. Sugar is usually not recommended for daffodils, marguerite daisies and tulips. For many other flowers such as snapdragons and balloon flowers, the right sugar mix doubles the life of cut flowers.

Sugar and other ingredients are often combined to help prolong the freshness of flowers. Sugar encourages the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to flowers. Adding a biocide to kill these biological organisms is helpful. Household bleach is a common biocide. Citric acid is sometimes added to help prevent wilting. Lemon and lime juice contain citric acid and are often added in small amounts.

Commercial flower fresheners are usually powdered formulas that are stirred into vase water. These are available at garden centers, florists and cut-flower vendors. Purdue University and other floriculture advisers offer homemade recipes. A typical home recipe is 2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage, 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon household chlorine bleach. Another recipe is 1 qt. water mixed with 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. sugar. A vinegar recipe includes 1 qt. water mixed with 2 tbsp. white vinegar and 2 tbsp. sugar. These flower fresheners should be changed every day or two. When the water is cloudy, it should be replaced with fresh solution. The proper sugar solution measurably prolongs the color and beauty of cut flowers.