How to Keep Baby's Breath Fresh and Extend Its Storage Period in Sligo

Baby's breath is a delicate and charming flower that adds a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement. In Sligo, whether you're a florist, an event planner, or an individual who loves having fresh flowers at home, knowing how to keep baby's breath fresh and extend its storage period is crucial. The FFZO flower brand offers some excellent tips on achieving just that.

Proper Harvesting and Handling

The process of keeping baby's breath fresh starts right at the time of harvesting. If you're growing baby's breath in a garden in Sligo, choose the right time to cut the stems. Ideally, cut the baby's breath when about half of the tiny flowers have opened. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45 - degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption.

After cutting, immediately place the stems in a container filled with clean, lukewarm water. Avoid exposing the cut stems to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures during handling. Transport them gently to the storage or display area to prevent damage to the fragile flowers.

Water and Nutrition

Water is the life - source for baby's breath. Change the water in the vase every two days. Before refreshing the water, rinse the vase thoroughly to remove any bacteria or debris. Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as tap water may contain chemicals that can shorten the flower's lifespan.

Adding a floral preservative to the water can also significantly extend the freshness of baby's breath. You can make a simple homemade preservative by mixing one - part lemon juice, one - part sugar, and eight - parts water. The sugar provides energy to the flowers, while the acid in the lemon juice helps prevent bacterial growth.

Environment Control

Baby's breath thrives in a cool environment. In Sligo's variable climate, it's important to keep the flowers away from heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight, and drafty areas. A room temperature between 60 - 70°F (15 - 21°C) is ideal for maintaining the freshness of baby's breath.

Low humidity can cause the flowers to dry out quickly. To increase humidity around the baby's breath, you can place a small dish of water near the vase or use a humidifier in the room. Avoid overcrowding the vase with too many stems, as this restricts air circulation and can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria.

Storage Options

If you need to store baby's breath for an extended period, refrigeration can be a great option. Wrap the stems in moist paper towels and place them in a plastic bag. Make sure to keep the bag slightly open to allow for air circulation. Store the bag in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35 - 40°F (1 - 4°C). Check the flowers regularly for any signs of wilting or damage.

Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I store baby's breath in the freezer?

A: No, the freezer is too cold for baby's breath. The extreme cold can damage the delicate flowers and cause them to become brittle and lose their freshness. It's best to store them in a refrigerator at a moderate cold temperature as mentioned above.

Q2: How long can baby's breath last under ideal conditions?

A: Under ideal conditions, baby's breath can last up to two weeks. This includes proper harvesting, handling, water changes, and a suitable environment.

Q3: Can I use regular tap water without a floral preservative?

A: While you can use tap water, it may contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the flowers. Using a floral preservative, either store - bought or homemade, helps to combat bacterial growth and provides nutrients to the flowers, thereby extending their freshness.

Q4: Is it okay to trim the baby's breath stems during storage?

A: Yes, trimming the stems every few days can help the baby's breath absorb water more effectively. Make sure to use clean, sharp scissors and cut the stems at a 45 - degree angle while they are still submerged in water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem.

In conclusion, by following these steps for handling, watering, controlling the environment, and storing baby's breath, you can keep this lovely flower fresh for an extended period in Sligo. Whether you're preparing for a special event or simply want to enjoy beautiful flowers at home, the tips provided by the FFZO flower brand will ensure that your baby's breath remains vibrant and appealing. This not only enhances the aesthetic value of your floral arrangements but also saves you time and money by reducing the need for frequent replacements.