Sunflowers are a popular plant, but they can be challenging to look after. Thankfully, there’s a simple method for keeping them fresh for longer.
It’s officially sunflower season, with the bright yellow flowers brightening up homes across the country as they have finally come into season.
The summer flowers can breathe life into a room and can be a cheerful addition, so it’s no wonder they’re one of the nation’s most popular plants for gifting.
With their relatively short season, only lasting around six weeks from July until September, it’s important to make the most out of the flowers, keeping them healthy, fresh and full of life for as long as possible.
Annoyingly, for many sunflowers can be quite difficult to look after, even after a few days they can soon start to lose their color and start turning brown.
Prolonging their life does not have to be a difficult and expensive task; there’s no need for expensive plant food or hours of intricate trimming. All it takes is an old, common item you probably already have hiding in your pocket, reports the Express.
It turns out the key to keeping your sunflowers healthy is the humble one-penny coin. Dropping a copper coin into the vase has some surprising effects that most green-fingered gardeners have no idea about.
Bacteria and fungi can thrive in the water of a vase, especially in the warm, moist environment provided by the cut stems.
These microorganisms can clog the flower’s water-conducting tissues, preventing them from absorbing water and leading to wilting and decay.
Copper possesses antibacterial qualities and can assist in warding off other harmful microbes.
The clever trick shared by Jo Lambell, founder of plant and flower specialists Beards & Daisies, is designed to provide natural defense for your blooms.
Jo explained: “Dropping an old copper penny into the vase water acts as a natural fungicide, helping prevent bacterial growth and keeping your sunflowers vibrant and healthy.”
However, an aged penny isn’t the sole method to maintain those flowers looking brilliantly golden for over a week.
Not disclosed several additional straightforward methods that can boost sunflowers without requiring much work.
The botanical expert added: “Add a drop of alcohol – Adding a small amount of vodka or gin to the vase water can help reduce ethylene gas buildup. This gas causes flowers to age faster, so a little alcohol slows down this process, helping your sunflowers stay fresher longer.”
She also recommended positioning your blooms away from your fruit bowl for identical reasons.
As the fruit matures, it emits that identical ethylene gas, which accelerates the withering process.
Finally, sunflowers may also need correct preparation before positioning them in the container.
This involves trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle to enable maximum water uptake.
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