Cut roses are a beautiful and timeless way to brighten any room, but unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Over time, they begin to wilt, lose their vibrancy, and ultimately end up in the compost. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can significantly extend the life of your cut roses and keep them looking fresh for longer. Below, we’ll explore the best practices for keeping your roses at their most beautiful for up to 7 to 10 days or even longer.
1. Prepare the Vase
Before you even think about placing your roses in a vase, it’s important to make sure the vase is thoroughly clean. Any dust, dirt, or residue left inside the vase can contaminate the water, which in turn can encourage bacteria growth and speed up the wilting process of your flowers. Wash the vase with warm soapy water and rinse it well. This simple step can make a big difference in how long your flowers last.
A clean vase ensures that the water stays fresh, and it provides a healthier environment for your roses to thrive. You should also rinse out the vase and change the water regularly, as stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Use Lukewarm Water
When filling the vase, temperature matters. Avoid using water that is too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can shock the blooms and shorten their lifespan. Instead, opt for lukewarm or room-temperature water. This will help the flowers absorb the water more efficiently without causing any unnecessary stress.
In terms of the amount of water, be sure not to overfill the vase. Aim for about three-quarters full. Too much water can make it difficult for the stems to properly take up the water, and too little water will dry them out faster.
3. Add Flower Food
Many bouquets come with a packet of flower food, and it’s always a good idea to use it. Flower food contains a mixture of sugar, citric acid, and bleach, all of which are essential for keeping cut flowers looking fresh. The sugar nourishes the flowers, the citric acid helps balance the pH of the water, and the bleach works to prevent bacterial growth.
Simply dissolve the packet in the water before placing your roses in the vase, and they will benefit from the extra nutrients. If you don’t have a packet of flower food, you can either purchase it from your local garden store or online, or you can make your own with common household ingredients. Below are a few DIY flower food recipes you can try:
Vinegar-Based Flower Food
To make your own flower food, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. The sugar helps to nourish the flowers and promote bloom opening, while the vinegar keeps bacterial growth at bay, ensuring your flowers stay fresh for longer. If you don’t have vinegar, you can use lemon-lime soda mixed with water, which offers similar benefits.
Vodka-Based Flower Food
Another simple option is to use vodka-based flower food. As flowers age, they begin producing bacteria, which can harm them. Vodka acts as an antibacterial agent, helping to kill harmful bacteria and promote healthy growth. Just a few drops in the vase will suffice—don’t overdo it.
DIY Mixture
A common homemade flower food recipe is mixing 1 quart of water, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon of household bleach. This mixture provides a similar benefit to store-bought flower food, helping to nourish your roses, prevent bacteria, and maintain a balanced pH level in the water.
4. Remove Excess Leaves and Guard Petals
One of the easiest ways to help your roses last longer is by removing any leaves or guard petals that could potentially cause problems. Guard petals are the outer petals on the rose that are often left on by florists to protect the bloom during transport. These petals can be slightly wilted or discolored but are not a sign of poor quality. Gently pull them off by holding the base of the petal and gently sliding it down.
Additionally, remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water. Leaves in the water promote bacterial growth, which can shorten the lifespan of your roses. By removing these leaves, you’re ensuring that the flowers can thrive in a cleaner, more controlled environment.
However, avoid removing the thorns. While thorns may seem like an obstacle, they are a natural part of the rose’s anatomy and don’t affect its ability to take in water or stay fresh. In fact, removing the thorns can cause the stems to become more vulnerable to bacteria and damage.
5. Snip the Stems
After you’ve prepared your vase and added water, it’s time to trim the stems. Cutting the stems properly is essential for extending the life of your roses. When you first cut the stems, air bubbles can form inside the stems and block the water from being absorbed. To prevent this, cut the stems under water or immediately after placing them in water. Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle allows for better water absorption, which helps keep your flowers hydrated and fresh.
Use sharp pruners to make a clean cut. A jagged or crushed stem will not be able to absorb water effectively, leading to quicker wilting.
6. Change the Water Regularly
Changing the water in the vase is another key factor in keeping your roses fresh. Florists recommend changing the water every two to three days to prevent it from becoming cloudy or stagnant. Along with changing the water, be sure to remove any fallen petals or leaves that may have dropped into the water, as they can quickly rot and shorten the life of your flowers.
Each time you change the water, trim the stems again to ensure they continue to absorb water properly. You can also add fresh flower food to the new water to continue nourishing the roses.
7. Keep the Roses Cool
Roses, like many other flowers, prefer cooler temperatures. Keeping your flowers in a cool room, away from direct sunlight and drafts, will help them stay fresher for longer. Florists often recommend placing roses in the refrigerator overnight, as this can help extend their life.
If refrigerating them isn’t an option, place them in the coolest, darkest spot you can find. Just be sure to avoid places like the kitchen, where they may be exposed to heat from cooking or appliances.
Final Thoughts
With a little care and attention, your roses can last much longer than you might expect. By following these simple tips—preparing the vase, using the right water temperature, adding flower food, and keeping your roses cool—you can enjoy their beauty for up to 10 days or even more.
Caring for your cut roses doesn’t have to be difficult. These small steps make a big difference in preserving their freshness and helping them remain vibrant. Whether you’ve received a beautiful bouquet or simply picked some roses from your garden, following these guidelines will allow you to fully appreciate their beauty for as long as possible. Order your roses at Lilac Florist and learn more about care.