Grow Your Own Magazine

Hello all,
Lovely forum, invaluable advice, this is my first year growing veg....! However, I always grow lots of sweetpeas, mine usually keep for five days (with deadheading)... is there any way to prolong their flowering period or keep them longer while I transport them to relatives around the country?
Anyway, hope someone can help and thanks for all the tips i've picked up from you lot already!
Sarah

Welcome to the vine Sarah. Do you want to transport cut flowers or the plants themselves? If it is cut flowers then you could try water-retaining gel in a small bucket. The stems would have the water they need with out it sloshing all over the floor of your car. The gel could also be put in the fridge before the journey to stop the heat making them droop.

Hi Sarahkins, welcome to the vine.

Plunge them into deep cool water as you cut them ( buckets are good) then keep dark & cool. If you cut them just before they a re fully open they will last a bit longer as well. Also you can add some "cut flower food" like Crysol (not sure of the spelling) to the water or you can make your own. I'll sort out the recipe & post it seperatly.

Also keep them out of direct sunlight when you vase them up & change the water regularly.

__________________
ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

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Thankyou both! My sweetpeas are just beginning to flower now, so I shall be following the advice!