Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular times of the year for giving flowers. Whether you choose traditional roses or something unique, flowers are a beautiful way to express love and appreciation. To make the most of your bouquet, it’s important to choose long-lasting flowers and care for them properly. Here’s a guide to the best flowers for Valentine’s Day and how to keep them fresh for as long as possible.

Top Flowers for Valentine’s Day

1. Roses: Roses are the classic choice for Valentine’s Day. Their elegant petals and sweet fragrance make them a favorite. Red roses symbolize deep love, while pink roses represent admiration and gratitude.

2. Tulips: Tulips are a great alternative to roses. They come in many colors, each with its own meaning. Red tulips stand for true love, while purple represents royalty. Tulips continue to grow in the vase, giving them a dynamic and fresh appearance.

3. Lilies: Lilies are known for their striking appearance and strong fragrance. White lilies symbolize purity, while orange ones stand for passion. These flowers can add elegance to any bouquet.

4. Carnations: Carnations are a long-lasting flower that comes in a variety of colors. Red carnations symbolize admiration, while pink ones convey gratitude. Their ruffled petals add texture to bouquets.

5. Orchids: For something more exotic, orchids are a great choice. They symbolize beauty and strength and can last a long time with proper care. Their unique shape makes them a standout flower.

How to Keep Flowers Fresh for Longer

Once you have the perfect bouquet, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your flowers:

1. Trim the Stems: Before placing flowers in a vase, trim about an inch off the stems at an angle. This helps them absorb water more efficiently. Re-trim every few days to keep the stems fresh.

2. Use Clean Water: Fill the vase with clean, room-temperature water. Change the water every two days to prevent bacteria from building up, which can shorten the flowers’ lifespan.

3. Remove Extra Leaves: Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline in the vase. Leaves left in the water can decay and create bacteria, which can make the flowers wilt faster.

4. Keep Flowers Cool: Flowers last longer in a cool environment. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heaters, and electronic devices that produce heat. Placing them in the refrigerator overnight can also help extend their life.

5. Add Flower Food: Most bouquets come with a packet of flower food. Use it to provide essential nutrients to the flowers. If you don’t have flower food, you can mix a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice into the water as an alternative.

By choosing the right flowers and taking care of them properly, you can enjoy your Valentine’s Day bouquet for many days. Whether you go with classic roses or something unique, your flowers will serve as a lasting reminder of love and appreciation.

Until Next Time, Happy Gardening!

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“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.” ~Luther Burbank