Water Quality

Cut flowers require clean, fresh water in the conditioning process. It is said that the water quality is an essential factor that is often overlooked and this can influence the shelf life of your flowers.

For example, drinking water contains high level of minerals. These dissolved minerals will block the flower stems and prevent water uptake. Sodium is present in high concentration of soft water is toxic to some varieties of roses and carnations.

pH level is the measurement of the acidity and alkalinity of water on a scale of 1 (acid) to 14 (alkaline), with 7 being neutral. High quality water for flowers should be slightly acid having a pH factor of between 3.0 and 4.5.

Most tap water is near neutral and acidity can be obtained through the use of a flower food or commercial floral preservative. Acidic water is taken up more readily by flower stems than is neutral or alkaline water.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the measurement of water salinity, total dissolved solids or soluble elements in water. The dissolved solids in water can include magnesium, sodium, calcium, chlorides, and sulfates.

Total dissolved solids in water are measured in parts per million. High quality water for flowers should have a TDS measurement of less than 200 ppm.

Have you ever tested your water by a water treatment company or an independent laboratory?