I love real greens as much as you do. But because I decorate with Christmas greens in early November no matter what you would do to real greens they just won’t stay fresh that long. However, if you don’t decorate with fresh green until two weeks before Christmas you can keep them fresh and your home smelling like you just cut down your Christmas tree. Here are some tried and true tips for keeping live.
USE JUST CUT FRESH GREENS
Not all greens are equal! Some greens, trees, and sprays are cut week’s ahead and sit outdoors. These are not the greens you want. You want to know where your evergreens are from and when they were cut!
Greens should be subtle and bend easily. The needles should be soft and if needles or leaves are dropping off or come off or break when you pull on a branch then pass them up. Only pick greens with vibrant color and a nice strong aroma.
I cut these greens room the bushes in my yard so I know they are fresh!
GIVE YOUR GREENS A SOAK
Soak your greens in a bath of cold water for about 24 hours before using them. This will help them retain moisture. And moisture is the best friend of Christmas greens! I soak my greens in the garage or outside.
MIST YOUR GREENS
Put water in a mister and give your greens a daily mist. Just be careful if you are misting lighted greens or greens that have faux berries or flowers or bows because the color might run! Again, it’s all about moisture! You will see a big difference if your give them a mist!
WATER FRESH GREENS
If you have greens in oasis or water make sure to change the water VERY OFTEN! Keep the water clean. Just use plain water. Studies have shown that adding things like Clorox, sugar, corn syrup or even commercial supplements have no effect on the longevity of fresh cut greens.
If you have potted greens keep them moist but not wet.
KEEP GREENS AWAY FROM SUNLIGHT AND DIRECT HEAT
Direct sunlight and heat are the worst enemies of cut Christmas greens. Sunlight and heat will dry up and burn the greens making them look faded and dry and dead! Again, it’s all about moisture! Fresh cut greens are best used away from sunlight and heat.
OUTDOOR GREENS LAST LONGER THAN INDOOR
Outdoor greens last so much longer than the ones we use indoors because our homes are so dry. Heat sucks moisture out of our greens. If you use greens inside, make sure they have had a good soak and are misted!
TOUCH UP OR REPLACE TIRED LOOKING GREENS
When your greens start to look spent and needles begin falling like green snow, touch your arrangement up with new greens. If you have fresh greens in your home longer than 2 weeks you might want to plan on replacing the whole thing unless the greens are in water.
MIX REAL AND FAUX GREENS
This is really the best of both worlds. Mix live and faux greens and replace the real ones as they get tired.
USE AN ANTITRANSPIRANT
An antitranspirant is a spray that coats the leaves and needles of greens to trap the moisture in them. Your greens will last significantly longer with an application! Up to two months longer.
I use a product HERE and HERE in a spray bottle. The FDA has approved specifications for use on edible crops. Good to know! These products can be used on a real Christmas tree too.
Just follow these simple tips and your fresh cut greens will thank you with a couple of week (or months) of vibrant beauty!
Linda Pemberton commented
November 18, 2018 at 2:03 pmDoes the antitranspirant diminish the smell of the fresh greens?
StoneGable commented
November 18, 2018 at 10:09 pmA little.
Leslie Anne Tarabella commented
November 16, 2018 at 9:14 pmIt’s worth the trouble for fresh greens – yet, I am feeling the urge as the children are older to switch to an artificial tree. So far, even though they are in college the boys absolutely freak out when I mention it. They love the smell of the real tree and I think the memories of cutting them down on the tree farm are still in their heads, so for now . . . it’s live! Thanks for the great tips.
Joanna commented
November 16, 2018 at 6:48 pmMy local nursery just gave me a hint. Spray your boughs with gelatin in water 1:3. It can be found at any pharmacy and is not expensive.
I find most of my branches in the woods while on a walk. This way they are fresh when coming in the house.
Lots of great hints, Yvonne!
StoneGable commented
November 18, 2018 at 10:20 pmWow, I’ll have to try that Joanna. Thanks for this great tip!
Julie Briones commented
November 16, 2018 at 5:43 pmWonderful tips! I had no idea about the sealant you can use! Who knew?!
Cecilia from Georgia commented
November 16, 2018 at 3:14 pmI love using fresh greenery but your recent post showing that it is acceptable to use faux greenery with fresh has me considering a change. As a former florist, I have learned that my water mister is my best friend. I try to put as much as possible in oasis too and keep it wet throughout the season. I love seeing what ideas you and the Scoop have each week. Have a good weekend and stay warm!!
DSUNNYLAU@GMAIL.COM commented
November 16, 2018 at 12:56 pmYVONNE, HI! I’M MISSING YOU ON THE POD CAST. ARE YOU ON VACATION? I HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND WILL BE BACK ON IT SOON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT BLOG.
StoneGable commented
November 18, 2018 at 10:25 pmHi friend, You must have missed me announcing I am stepping back from full-time podcasting. I’ll podcast part time but I have three grandbabies… Anderson just turned two, Emma Kate is 17 months and Alexander is 3 months and they are pulling on my heartstrings. They don’t live near so when I visit I go for several days at a time. I can do all my blogging work and StoneGable home interior work remote but not podcasting. So, I opted to spend more time with my babies! You will hear me on DTT again soon.
Rita C at Panoply commented
November 16, 2018 at 8:42 amGreat tip on the wilt stop – thank you!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs commented
November 16, 2018 at 8:38 amLove mixing faux and real….your Christmas greenery is always so beautiful!
Have a great weekend Yvonne!
Kathy M. commented
November 16, 2018 at 7:30 amGood morning Yvonne,
Up early this morning due to our power being off from 1pm to 5am. Went to bed at 6pm and pulled up all the warmest comforters. Now that the power is back the house is getting warmer. Coffee never tasted so good.
As I have said I use fresh and. faux greens and have found soaking my wreaths and garlands in water for 24 hrs really extends their life. The only fresh greens inside are a large arrangement for the dining room table and that is done the week of Christmas and in floral oasis.