Cut flowers and potted plants are popular gifts for Valentine’s Day.

Maybe you received a lovely plant for Valentine’s Day or maybe you brought yourself cut flowers “just because.”

Flowers are frequently short-lived because we fail to treat them properly once they are in our homes.

The following suggestions may help to extend the useful life of cut flowers.

First of all, always purchase good quality flowers. Flowers are just like any other purchase. You only get what you pay for.

Consider the purchase of different types of flowers. All too often, we select the same type of flower year after year.

Make certain the flowers are well-protected for the trip home if they are not delivered. Flowers and buds are quite tender and can be severely injured by freezing temperatures if allowed to remain in the car for long periods of time. Flowers that are securely-wrapped will also be protected on the way to the car. Ask for a cover if the weather is very cold.

Before leaving the flower store, see if they have flower preservatives to add to the water at home. Preservatives slow the growth of bacteria in the water and extend the life of the flowers.

As soon as the flowers are inside, cut two inches off the flower stems before placing them in fresh, clean water in a clean container. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area to allow for greater water flow. Sanitation, along with the preservative, will help to prevent bacteria growth in the water.

To help keep the water fresh, remove the lower leaves from the stems. Foliage in the water will quickly decompose and allow bacteria to grow. You should also change the water in the container on a regular basis to keep it as fresh as possible.

After the flowers have been arranged in their container, keep them as cool as possible. Heat takes moisture from the leaves and flowers. With no root system to sustain the flow of water, the flowers will wilt quickly under high temperatures.

Ideal storage temperatures are between 32 and 35 degrees, but never below freezing. Unfortunately, display areas in our homes are considerably warmer. To extend the life of flowers, consider putting the display into cool storage, but not the refrigerator, during the evening or at times when no one is home.

Certain storage conditions, however, can shorten the life of cut flowers. Avoid putting cut flowers into an enclosed area where fruits and vegetables are stored. These items give off very small quantities of ethylene gas, which causes the flowers to age and fade much faster than normal.

Refrain from placing your fresh flowers in direct sunlight, near hot appliances, or near gusts of air from fans, air conditioning, or open windows. Drafts near opening doors or warm air moving from a room’s heat source take water from leaves and shortens the indoor life of cut flowers.

If you are looking for flowers that last a long time in a vase, consider chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies, hydrangeas and clematis. All of these flowers should last at least 10 days in a vase with clean water.

A fresh bouquet enhances your surroundings with color and the flowers’ fragrance. Enjoy!

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.