How to Keep Cut Roses Alive Longer in Vases
You hope to maximize the lives of your own cut roses in a vase on your mantel or cherish the bouquet from a loved one for as long as you can. While most cut flowers generally last a few days there are steps you can take to extend the lives of the roses for up to a week. Keeping cut roses alive for as long as possible requires providing them with a spotlessly clean environment, plenty of water, and a cool place away from bright harsh sunlight. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Vase
- Liquid dish detergent
- Bleach
- Pruning shears, very sharp scissors or knife
- Lukewarm water
- Floral preservative
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash your vase in hot soapy water, making sure to scrub the insides to remove any built-up residues. Alternatively, run your vase through the dishwasher. Rinse with clear, hot water.
-
2
Soak vase for a few minutes in a solution made by combining 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe your cutting blades with some of this solution.
-
-
3
Fill the clean vase with a solution made of 1/2 tsp. pf bleach for every pint (16 ounces) of water.
-
4
Take roses from their packaging or temporary container. Place them on a counter or other work surface.
-
5
Trim off any leaves that will be below the vase's water level.
-
6
Cut the stems at an angle at a point that is roughly 3/4 inch from the end. Immediately place them in the vase.
-
7
Change the water in the vase every day. Replenish it with bleach at the rate of 1/2 tsp. to 16 ounces of water.
-
8
Place the vase of roses in a cooler spot at night or in the refrigerator.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When cutting roses from your own garden, early morning is the best time, as that is usually the coolest part of the day when the blossoms are at their best. During particularly cool weather, roses can safely be cut any time of day.
Water your roses well the night before you plan to cut.
Cut each stem at an angle and place it in a bucket of lukewarm water as soon as it is severed from the main plant. Make another angled cut on the submerged stems to minimize the formation of air bubbles which can interfere with water uptake.
Give the freshly cut roses a rest in a cool dark place for roughly an hour, fill the bucket to a point just below the blossoms, and refrigerate it for at least two hours or until you're ready to place them in vases for display.
Powdered floral preservatives, such as Floralife, may also extend the life of your roses. Follow package directions as to how much product to use based on the size vase you are using.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
