Why the Right Dose of Vase Flower Food Matters for Fresh Cut Flowers
Jose Martinez
Fresh cut flowers look beautiful and bring joy, but they are delicate and need proper care to stay fresh. One of the most important steps to keep them healthy is using vase flower food, and using the correct dose is key.
Flower food is specially formulated to give flowers the nutrients they need, such as sugars for energy, biocides to prevent bacterial growth, and acids to help water move up the stem. If the right amount is used, flowers can open fully, stay colorful, and last longer in the vase.
Using too little flower food can leave flowers without enough nutrients. They may wilt quickly, buds may fail to open, and petals can drop sooner than expected. On the other hand, using too much flower food can also harm flowers. High concentrations of chemicals can burn stems, damage petals, or cause leaves to yellow and die faster.
The correct dose ensures a perfect balance: flowers get enough nutrients to thrive without being harmed. It also helps the water stay clean, which is important because bacteria in the vase can block the stems and prevent the flowers from taking up water. Clean water with the right dose of flower food keeps flowers hydrated and fresh.
For growers, florists, and consumers, following the instructions on the flower food package is essential. It may seem simple, but the small difference between too little and too much can make a big difference in how long the flowers stay beautiful.
The correct dose of vase flower food is the secret to keeping fresh cut flowers vibrant, healthy, and long-lasting. By paying attention to the dose, you can enjoy the beauty of flowers for many days, making them a perfect gift or decoration.
The Importance of the Correct Dose of Hydrating and Transport Flower Food
Fresh cut flowers are beautiful, but they are delicate and need the right care to stay healthy from the moment they are harvested until they reach the vase. One of the most important steps in this process is using hydrating and transporting flower food, and using the correct dose is crucial.
Hydrating and transporting flower food is specially designed to help flowers absorb water quickly, stay hydrated, and remain fresh during transport. It often contains sugars for energy, acids to improve water uptake, and biocides to reduce bacteria in the water. Flowers treated with the correct dose are less likely to wilt; their buds open better, and their leaves and petals stay healthy longer.
Using too little flower food means flowers may not get enough nutrients or protection from bacteria. This can lead to premature wilting, shriveled petals, and buds that do not open properly. On the other hand, using too much flower food can be harmful as well. High concentrations of chemicals may burn stems, damage delicate petals, or cause leaves to yellow and drop.
The correct dose ensures a perfect balance, helping flowers stay hydrated, strong, and healthy throughout storage, shipping, and handling. This is especially important for long-distance transport, where flowers may travel for several days before reaching florists or customers. Proper dosing also helps maintain clean water, preventing bacteria from blocking water uptake, and keeping the flowers fresh longer.
Using the right dose of hydrating and transporting flower food is key to ensuring that flowers arrive looking for their best, stay fresh longer, and provide maximum enjoyment for customers. Correct dosing reduces waste, protects quality, and keeps your flowers vibrant from the farm to the vase.
Chrysal’s Recommendations
Fresh cut flowers need proper care to stay vibrant and healthy, and the right flower food plays a key role in keeping them hydrated, opening buds fully, and extending vase life. There are several options available to suit different needs, from ready-to-use solutions to concentrated formulas and convenient T-Bags.
Professional 2 Classic
Ready-to-Use flower food is simple to apply, with a dosage of 10 ml per quart (1 liter) of water. It comes in 1-gallon, 2.5-gallon, and 5-gallon containers and works well with automatic dosing systems, making it ideal for growers and florists who want consistent results without extra preparation.
Professional 2 Concentrated and/or FlowPro 2
For larger operations or automated systems, the concentrated Professional 2 formula and the No cut FlowPro 2 are highly efficient, with a dosage of 5 ml per quart (1 liter) of water. It is available in 10-liter Bag-in-Box, 15-gallon and 50-gallon barrels, and 1,000-liter totes. The Bag-in-Box format even includes a 5 ml hand pump, making it easy to use in automated setups while maintaining precise dosing.
Professional 2 Premium T-Bag
For smaller or manual applications, the Professional 2 Premium T-Bag offers convenience and accuracy. Each T-Bag is pre-measured for a specific water volume, with options for 1 quart, 1.5 qt, 2 qt, or 1 gallon. The individually portioned tea bags make dosing simple, just drop the T-Bag into water and let it dissolve, providing visual control and minimizing errors during preparation.
Using the right type of flower food in the correct dose ensures flowers stay fresh, fully open, and beautiful for longer. Whether using ready-to-use solutions, concentrated formulas, or T-Bags, proper hydration and accurate dosing help reduce waste, improve quality, and ensure that flowers arrive at the vase looking for their best.
In Summary
Using the correct dose of flower food—whether for vase use, hydration, or transport—is essential for keeping fresh cut flowers healthy and long-lasting. Too little product leaves flowers without the nutrients and protection they need, while too much can damage stems and petals. The right dose ensures proper hydration, cleaner water, better bud opening, and longer vase life. Following the recommended dosage helps reduce waste, maintain quality, and ensure that flowers look their best from the farm all the way to the final consumer.
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José Vicente Martínez – Senior Technical Manager, Chrysal North America
Originally from Colombia, José has worked closely with growers, bouquet makers, and retailers worldwide, helping them improve quality, reduce waste, and get the best performance from their flowers.
His background spans post-harvest physiology, quality management, logistics, and large-scale operational projects, giving him a deep understanding of the journey flowers take from farm to consumer.
At Chrysal, José is dedicated to guiding customers with practical, science-based solutions that keep flowers fresher, longer — and to supporting the entire floral chain with technical excellence and genuine passion.