How to Preserve Berries for Floral Arrangements

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  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.
    Advertisement
  3. Let stand for several hours.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Spraying the Berries With Fixative

PDF download Download Article
  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.
    5. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 5
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2

      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.

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      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)


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Wrap Flowers in Tissue or Brown Paper
      How to
      Make a Bouquet
      How to
      Preserve Magnolia Leaves
      How to
      Make a DIY Rose Bouquet with Flowers, Satin, or Paper
      How to
      Arrange Flowers
      How to
      Make Artificial Flowers
      How to
      Make a Flower Press
      How to
      Create a Spilled Flower Pot
      How to
      Clean Silk Flowers
      How to
      Arrange Silk Flowers
      How to
      Arrange Flowers in a Vase
      How to
      Arrange Long Stem Roses
      How to
      Dye Silk Flowers
      How to
      Make a Boutonniere
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 75,405 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement