What's in a packet of flower food?

I'm doing a science fair experiment on what keeps carnations alive the longest- plain water, penny, aspirin, vitamin c, or flower food. I cant seem to find what's in flower food and what it does to help it grow!!! Please HELP!!!!

What's in a packet of flower food?
Ready-made commercial preservatives, like Floral Life contain sugar for nutrition, a biocides (such as bleach) to keep the water clear of bacteria, and citric acid (lemon, lime,etc) to gently acidify the water.

Cut flowers need: carbohydrates, biocides, and acidifiers to help them last longer. Carbohydrates are necessary for cell metabolism; biocides combat bacteria and are necessary for maintaining plant health; acidifiers adjust the pH of water to facilitate and increase water uptake.

http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/design/20...



Sugar can provide a source of food for the fresh cut flowers, but too much sugar can be harmful to the flowers and also will quickly promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.

http://www.flowerpossibilities.com/bridg...



Aspirin might not help keep flowers in a vase lasting longer."Experimentation shows this method doesn't work well."

http://www.gomestic.com/Gardening/What-W...

Aspirin, in fact, had an adverse affect in one experiment. The flowers appeared unhealthy, were wilted, brownish, and very dry.The aspirin solution may have been pulling the water from the cells of the plant. Since we observed the stems of the Aspirin group becoming brown, it is possible that the cells were drying out and dying.

http://www.msu.edu/course/lbs/145/luckie...



The environmental conditions will need to be carefully controlled, %26amp; you'll have to make sure you recut the flower stems in a way that you don't close off the stems passageway. Use disinfected flower clippers or a sharp knife while holding the flower stem under water and immediately place in your vase or container. Also, keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from drafts (like A/C vents, heater vents, or fans).

http://www.flowrmd.com/qa.html

You re-cut the stems underwater because when cut in the air, stems will take up a bubble of air that inhibits further translocation of water to the flower, reducing the life of the arrangement.

Stand the cut flowers loosely in a darkened and cool area for several hours. This reduces the transpiration of the leaves which in turn retains water.

http://www.springledgefarm.com/pyo/pyo_b...



After all is said %26amp; done, it's interesting that Michael Skaff, a floral specialist for ftd.com recommends: "Under running tap water, quickly cut the bottom of the stems on an angle and remove foliage that will be lower than the water level in the vase. Then add two to three drops of bleach to the vase to prevent bacteria buildup. "

http://www.quickandsimple.com/solutions/...



Maybe you should add or substitute "plain water with 2 drops of bleach" on your list of what will keep your carnation alive longest, %26amp; even try a "regular non-diet lemon/lime soda with water" experiment since many believe this works because of the sugar %26amp; citrus.



Good luck!!! Hope this helps.
Reply:You're welcome!

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