How to Remove Thorns From Roses

Roses are easier to handle with the thorns removed.

When bringing in roses from the garden, resist the temptation to remove the thorns when preparing a floral arrangement. After removing thorns, microbes enter the wounds and disrupt the water-conducting cells, and this shortens the vase life of your roses. Yet sometimes it is necessary to remove thorns from your cut roses. Rose strippers and other thorn-removing gadgets on the market vary by design, depending on the manufacturer. These typically slide down the stem, cutting off the thorns along the way down. If you don't have such a gadget, use your finger or a knife.

Things You'll Need

• Garden Gloves
• Paring Knive

Instructions

Finger Method

1. Put on a pair of protective garden gloves. While you can do this without gloves, you could end up pricking your fingers.

2. Hold your finger along one side of the thorn.

3. Press your finger against its side, pushing it to the stem. The thorn will snap off. Continue with the next thorn.

Knife Method

1. Position the blade of the knife above the torn at the very top of the stem.

2. Lay the blade flat against the stem, with the sharp edge against the top of the thorn.

3. Move the blade downward, scraping the thorn from the stem. Continue to remove thorns, moving down the stem.

References

• "Roses"; James Crockett; 1971
• Florist Review: De-Myth-Tifying Cut Flower Care