Cornell University
Flower Blossoms Don't Mind Getting Drunk

A Cornell University horticulturist has found that giving diluted alcohol to some potted plants stunts the growth of leaves and stems but doesn't bother the blossoms. That's a good thing, if you don't want the flowers to get so tall they flop over.

You can use whiskey, vodka, gin or tequila -- or even plain ethanol. But wine and beer don't work! The alcohol has to be diluted with water to a concentration of four to six percent.

The study focused on Paperwhite Narcissus and other Daffodils but there were promising results with Tulips. If you want to try it, add one part 80-proof liquor to seven parts water. Wait until Daffodil shoots are several inches tall before applying the diluted alcohol.

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