Should Your Flowers Drink More Sprite?

Should Your Flowers Drink More Soda? Exploring Sprite as an Alternative to Commercial Flower Food Packets

When it comes to keeping your fresh-cut flowers vibrant and long-lasting, most of us rely on the little packets of commercial flower food that accompany our bouquets. However, there’s been buzz around using a clear sugar soda , such as lemon-lime soda as a substitute may be the trick if you don't have commercial floral food. Is this just a trendy hack, or is there science to support it? Let’s explore the effectiveness of Sprite in extending flower life, especially for flower lovers in the Windham and Tolland County areas.

The Basics of Flower Food

Commercial flower food typically contains three key ingredients:

1. Sugar: Provides essential nutrients to the flowers.
2. Acid: Lowers the pH of the water, aiding water absorption.
3. Biocide: Prevents bacterial growth in the water, keeping stems clear for optimal water uptake.

Lemon-lime soda as a Flower Food Alternative

lemon-lime soda contains two of these three elements: sugar and citric acid. The sugar provides nourishment, while the citric acid helps maintain the water’s pH balance. But does this make lemon/lime soda as a viable alternative to commercial flower food? According to a study by Ahmad and Dole (2014), various homemade preservatives, including lemon-lime soda, have been tested for their effectiveness in extending the life of cut flowers.

Benefits of Using lemon-lime soda

1. Readily Available: Sprite is easy to find and likely already in your fridge.
2. Cost-Effective: A bottle of Sprite is more economical than buying multiple packets of flower food.
3. Effective Nutrient Source: The sugar in Sprite can effectively nourish your flowers.

How to Use lemon-lime soda with Flowers

If you’re curious about trying Sprite with your flowers, here’s a simple method:

1. Mix Ratio: Combine one part Sprite with three parts water.
2. Trim the Stems: Trim the flower stems at an angle before placing them in the vase to enhance water absorption.
3. Change the Water Regularly: Even with Sprite, it’s crucial to change the water every couple of days to prevent bacterial growth. 

The Drawbacks

While lemon-lime soda can help extend the life of your flowers, it’s not without its drawbacks:

1. No Biocide: Sprite doesn’t contain a biocide, which means it won’t prevent bacterial growth.
2. Sticky Residue: The sugar can leave a sticky residue on the stems, potentially leading to quicker clogging.

Comparing Sprite and Commercial Flower Food

The study by Ahmad and Dole (2014) provided insights into the effectiveness of homemade flower preservatives. In their experiments, various mixtures, including lemon/lime soda applied to cut flower water.

Conclusion

At Found Florist Farm, located in the heart of Windham and Tolland County, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best tips and products for all your floral needs. Whether you’re in Willimantic, CT, or Storrs, CT, our goal is to help you keep your flowers fresh and beautiful. 

For more expert tips on flower care and creative floral arrangements, be sure to check out our other blog posts and visit Found Florist Farm. We’re here to help you make the most of your floral displays! To see the entire article see our reference below. 

References: Ahmad, I., & Dole, J. M. (2014). Homemade Preservatives. Retrieved from The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers