Make Cut Roses Last Longer With These Tips

Start With A Clean Vase

Before putting your cut roses in a vase, make sure to thoroughly clean the vase. Residue from previous flowers or literally anything can create bacteria that can harm your newly cut roses. It is important to protect your flowers from bacteria, as it is the leading cause of premature wilting. Rinse the vase with warm water and add a small amount of antibacterial soap or bleach to disinfect it.

Cut flowers don’t have the protection of a root system to naturally filter out damaging chemicals and bacteria. Therefore, using a sterile vase is key to keeping your cut roses fresh and alive for longer periods of time.

Use Room-Temperature Water

When you’re ready to fill the vase with water, make sure it is room temperature. Too hot or too cold water can shock the flowers, causing them to wilt faster. Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and free from bacteria. If there are signs of algae or cloudiness forming in the vase, you should empty it and start over with fresh water.

Add Flower Food

Depending on the size of your vase, dissolve all or part of the packet of food into your water, as it helps nourish and hydrate the flowers. Flower food contains all the nutrients your flowers need to keep them fresh longer. Most commercial flower food has a sugar concentration between 1 and 2%, which is the ideal level for most cut flowers. This food will not only protect your cut roses from bacteria but also provide them with essential nutrients to keep them healthy and blooming longer.

When creating your own flower food, these are the things you need to keep in mind:

1. Never add sugar to the vase without also adding a germicide. The combination of sugar and bacteria can create an environment where bacteria will quickly multiply and harm the cut roses.
2. Always use an acidifier. This will help adjust the pH levels of the water and make it easier for cut roses to absorb nutrients. Common acidifiers are citric acid and vinegar.

Although you can create your own flower food, it's best to use a commercial mix when possible as that has been specifically formulated for floral longevity.

Cut The Stem on a Deep Angle

Doing this will help your flowers absorb more water and stay hydrated. Cut the stems on at least a 45-degree angle, and make sure to remove any leaves that will be submerged in water. Use sharp scissors to make a clean cut instead of crushing the stem with dull scissors.

Keep Them Out Of Direct Sunlight

Roses are delicate flowers that love cooler temperatures, so keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Your cut roses will last longer if they are kept in a cool, dark space during the heat of the day and then brought into the light when temperatures have cooled. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as ovens or computers is a good practice that will extend their longevity.

Following these tips to properly care for cut roses will help them last and help you enjoy their beauty even more. Roses are one of the most gifted flowers for special occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or Anniversaries, so if you’re giving them today, make sure to share this article with your recipient so they can keep enjoying the beauty of roses for longer!