How to Preserve Berries for Floral Arrangements

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If you're using berries as part of a fresh floral display, notice that they are a lot fleshier than the flowers and leaves. This extra moisture makes them prone to rotting faster and/or dropping off their stems. If you condition them first, before using in the floral arrangement, they'll remain in good shape longer.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Conditioning the cuttings

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  1. The stem is essential for allowing the berries to be included in any floral arrangement.
  2. This allows for maximum surface to uptake water.
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  3. Let stand for several hours.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Spraying the Berries With Fixative

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  1. The box will prevent over spray onto non-work surfaces.
  2. Be sure to get all of the berries and coat all surfaces evenly.
  3. This also gives additional preservation to the berries. Spray two light layers, allowing for drying in between.
  4. Once the sprays have dried properly, the berries are now ready to be included as part of your floral arrangement.
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  • Question
    Can this method be used on other wild berries?
    DessyeDee Clark, APRN, PhD
    Community Answer
    There are many wild berries commonly used in floral displays. Florists often choose berries based upon availability and color, but not always by how long they will last. It is important to consider if the berries you want to use are toxic. Many berries can make humans and animals sick if eaten. It is best to choose nontoxic berries. However, placing floral displays out of reach of people and animals and disposing of the display properly will reduce risk. It also helps (especially when giving as gifts) to include a warning note card with your floral display if the berries are likely to cause illness if ingested.
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  • Question
    How long will they last?
    DessyeDee Clark, APRN, PhD
    Community Answer
    The duration will depend on the type of berry, how fresh they are, and how well they were kept before being used in your floral display. Your display can keep a fresh look if you check periodically for older berries and remove them. Watch for signs of rot, like dark or soft spots, an odor, or flies and other insects.
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  • Question
    How long will these berries last after spraying? And is there a natural alternative for preserving berries?
    DessyeDee Clark, APRN, PhD
    Community Answer
    One alternative to spray preservative is to wash gently and pat dry with a soft cloth, then thinly coat them with petroleum jelly. This is not a truly "organic" method, but you won't inhale spray particulate. Beeswax can be melted and then poured onto some berries to coat them with a natural preservative, but this would likely harm edible juicy berries, like blackberry or raspberry.
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      Tips

      • Indoor heating will cause berries to shrivel. This conditioning process should help to prevent this but do keep the floral and berry arrangement away from a direct source of heating when on display, so that it lasts longer.
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      Foraging may help you find the freshest berries, but wear protective clothing and be able to identify the berry before you pick it. Slightly unripe berries may last longer and are less likely to cause stains to your hands or clothing. The varied colors also add interest.

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      Things You'll Need

      • Berries on their stems (preferably nontoxic, check with a florist)
      • Scissors or gardening snips
      • Vase or container suitable for holding the berries above the vase/water line
      • Warm water
      • Box large enough to fit the berries in the vase when turned upright or sideways
      • Hair spray or petroleum jelly
      • Polyurethane spray varnish (optional)


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