How to Preserve Berries for Floral Arrangements

Conditioning the cuttings

Cut the berries with plenty of stem left intact. The stem is essential for allowing the berries to be included in any floral arrangement.

Cut the stems at an angle. This allows for maximum surface to uptake water.

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

Spraying the Berries With Fixative

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.

Spray the berries with hair spray. Be sure to get all of the berries and coat all surfaces evenly.

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.

Arrange the berries. Once the sprays have dried properly, the berries are now ready to be included as part of your floral arrangement.