British gardening expert David Domoney recently gave this pro tip on his TV show: to keep cut flowers from going limp, give them a dose of Viagra. The nitric oxide helps preserve the integrity of the flowers and prevents them from breaking down. We've known about this trick for years. Israeli and Australian scientists documented that a small dose (1mg) of sildenafil added to their water could keep flowers fresh up to a week longer. Independent research corroborates the laboratory findings. After a week, flowers given Viagra just stand up straighter, while the others are floppy and droopy.
Domoney said that if you're reluctant to part with your Viagra, or it's too hard to come by, a bit of aspirin might do instead - to keep your flowers perky, that is. It won't perk up much else.
