How to Preserve Berries for Floral Arrangements

Last Updated: November 12, 2019

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

1
Cut the berries with plenty of stem left intact. The stem is essential for allowing the berries to be included in any floral arrangement.
2
Cut the stems at an angle. This allows for maximum surface to uptake water.

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3
Stand the stems in a vase or container of warm water. Let stand for several hours.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Spraying the Berries With Fixative

1
Place the vase or container holding the berries on their stems inside an upended box. The box will prevent over spray onto non-work surfaces.
2
Spray the berries with hair spray. Be sure to get all of the berries and coat all surfaces evenly.
3
Use a polyurethane spray varnish if you also want gloss. This also gives additional preservation to the berries. Spray two light layers, allowing for drying in between.
4
Arrange the berries. Once the sprays have dried properly, the berries are now ready to be included as part of your floral arrangement.

Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.