How to Preserve Fresh Cut Roses

Roses are said to be the language of love. We enjoy their beauty, scent, and the sentiment that comes from receiving them.

However, they never seem to last as long as we'd like them to. Read on to find some ways to preserve fresh cut roses for as long as possible.

Instructions

1. TRIM THE STEMS OF FRESH CUT ROSES:

   Simply use sharp scissors to cut the stems at an angle. Do this under running water to keep the stem from "sealing" itself again by intaking air that creates blockages.

2. REMOVE ALL LOWER LEAVES FROM ROSES:

   Remove, and discard, the lower leaves from the roses' stems. Leaves should not come in contact with water as it will contribute to earlier deterioration of the cut flowers.

3. ADD ROSES PRESERVATIVE:

   1) Usually fresh cut roses from a florist come with a packet of preservative to add to the water.

   Another way to keep them fresher longer is:

   2) Use a mixture of water, lemon-lime soda (about 1/4 cup in a vase of water) and a few drops of vodka or bleach. Why? Soda adds sugar to feed the roses and acid to correct the PH; and vodka or bleach kills bacteria.

4. KEEP AWAY FROM FRUITS:

   Fruit gives off ethylene gas as it ripens that will make your fresh cut roses deteriorate faster. Remember the saying, "one bad banana will spoil the whole bunch?". Applies to fresh cut roses too !

Tips & Warnings

• Fresh cut roses will begin to droop as they stop taking in water. Re-cut every few days and change the water/soda mixture.