How to Keep Fresh Cut Roses Fresh Longer

Keep roses lasting longer with a few simple steps.

Fresh cut roses provide a sweet-smelling addition to any home. Whether you have cut them from your own rose garden or received them as a gift, keep roses fresh for longer periods. The key to keeping cut roses fresh is to make sure they have optimal moisture and a cool environment.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh roses
• Scissors
• Thermometer
• Bucket
• Floral preservative
• Vase

Instructions

1. Cut the rose stems with scissors at a 45-degree angle under running water. Place them stem side down, in a bucket of water warmed to 95 degrees. This will condition them, which opens the inner tubes of the stems allowing for maximum moisture absorption.

2. Sit the bucket of roses in a cool environment for three hours. Gently remove any excess foliage that will be submerged in the display vase to avoid rotting material.

3. Fill a clean vase with warm water and mix in a floral preservative. Floral preservatives are available at most nurseries and florists. Mix according to the directions for the amount of water you are using.

4. Add fresh water daily to compensate for evaporation. You may also change the water and add fresh floral preservative. Display your roses out of direct sunlight, and keep away from heating or air-conditioning vents.

Tips & Warnings

• If floral preservative is not available, use a mixture of 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tbsp. sugar and ½ tsp. bleach for each quart of warm vase water.

References

• University of California: Extending the Freshness of Cut Flowers at Home
• Texas A&M University: Cutting Roses
• University of Rhode Island: Caring for Cut Roses

Resources

• Rose.org: Enjoying Roses