How to Put Roses in a Vase

Proper care of your roses is necessary for a long-lasting bouquet.

A rose has long been a symbol of love and beauty. Even a single rose in a bud vase is a work of art. To get the most out of a bouquet of roses, proper preparation and placement are essential. If you select a long-lasting variety, you are sure to have a vase of color for seven to 10 days.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp scissors
• Bucket
• 1 cup bleach
• Vase
• Bottle brush
• 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid
• Floral food

Instructions

1. Choose roses with partially-opened blossoms and straight stems.

2. Mix 1 cup bleach with 1 gallon of hot water, and wipe the blades of scissors with the solution.

3. Break thorns and foliage from the stems that would lie beneath the water line when you place the roses into a vase.

4. Cut an inch from each stem with sharp scissors while running the stem under cool water.

5. Place the roses into a bucket of lukewarm water.

6. Fill a vase with hot, soapy water and 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid. Scrub with a bottle brush until all residue buildup is gone. Soak the vase in the solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water, then rinse well.

7. Dissolve 1 package of floral food in 8 oz. of warm water in a vase.

8. Cut 1 inch off the stems under water with sharp scissors. Arrange the roses in the vase with floral food and warm water.

9. Place the rose arrangement out of the sun and away from a heat source or draft.

10. Add fresh water daily, and re-cut the stems under running water.

Tips & Warnings

• Crystalline, Secret and Red Intuition varieties generally have a long vase life. Varieties with proven lasting power are St. Patrick, Veteran's Honor, Black Magic, Andrea Stelzer, Louise Estes, Moonstone and Elizabeth Taylor.

• If you are cutting roses from a garden, cut when the plant's moisture is highest, in early morning or late afternoon.

• When purchasing a bouquet of roses, do not select a bouquet displayed outside of a cooler. The ideal storage temperature for cut roses is 33 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension: Fresh Cut Flowers and Plant Care
• University of Florida: Make Your Roses Last
• Aggie Horticulture: Cutting Roses
• Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society: Extend the Life of Your Cut Roses