Last Updated on February 5, 2023 by Ellen Christian
If you’re curious about cut roses care, check out these tips on how to make your beautiful bouquet of cut flowers last longer.
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Cut Roses Care
Wondering how to take care of a boquet of roses? Whether you’ve been given a rose bouquet or have cut fresh roses from your backyard, these simple tips can help your fresh flowers last as long as possible.
I love filling my home with cut flowers in the summertime. We have a few beautiful rose bushes that have the most gorgeous blooms.
Of course, these tips work just as well for your Valentine’s Day roses or flowers you get from the florist.
Caring for cut roses is a bit different than taking care of other flower bouquets. This is the best cut rose flower food I have ever tried. Get it here.
When to trim back roses
Exactly when you should trim back roses depends on your zone. It should be in later winter or early spring depending on when you begin to see new growth.
How to cut rose stems
The first step in taking care of your roses is cutting the stems correctly. Start by trimming off any leaves that will fall below the water line in the vase.
Next, use a sharp knife or garden clippers to cut the rose stems at an angle of about an inch from the bottom. This will help the rose absorb water and stay fresh longer.
How to care for cut roses
Fill a clean vase with fresh, cool water and add a packet of floral food. This will help nourish your flowers and keep them healthy.
Place your roses in the vase and put them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight or any drafts. Never uses dirty vases. Place your bouquets in a clean vase to help prevent bacteria growth.
Check the water level every day and replenish as needed. You may need to trim the stems again if they start to grow moldy or slimy.
When your roses start to wilt, you can try reviving them by cutting the stem at an angle and placing them in a vase of warm water for about an hour.
Do cut flowers need flower food?
The answer is maybe. If you’re using a simple vase and water, adding flower food can help your blooms last a few days longer.
However, if you’re using a more complicated arrangement or even just adding some rocks to your vase, forgo the flower food packets. The extra nutrients aren’t necessary and can actually shorten the life of your flowers.
You can try a homemade flower food for roses. But, this is the best cut rose flower food I have ever tried. Get it here.
What’s the best way to store cut roses?
The best way to keep cut roses is in a cool, dark place. If you have a basement or other cool room in your house, that’s ideal.
You can also put them in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove them before the door closes. The flowers need some air circulation to stay fresh.
Roses will not last as long in hot weather. It’s important to keep them in a cool place as much as possible to extend their vase life.
How often should I change the water in my vase?
For best results, change the water in your vase every other day. Drain the old water completely. Rinse the stems off and add fresh, lukewarm water.
Be sure to remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline. These leaves can rot and cause bacteria growth, which will shorten the life of your roses.
You can add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and one tablespoon of white sugar to the vase to help kill bacteria.
Should I mist my cut roses?
Misting your roses can help keep them hydrated, but don’t overdo it. Too much water can actually cause the flowers to wilt.
If you do mist your roses, do it in the morning so the water has a chance to evaporate before nightfall.
What’s the best way to remove spent blooms?
To keep your roses looking their best, it’s important to remove any spent flower heads. These are the flowers that have already bloomed and are starting to wilt.
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the spent blooms cleanly. Make a slice just above where the bloom meets the stem.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your bouquet of roses for days or even weeks. With a little care, you can keep your roses fresh and beautiful.
Remove guard petals
These are the outermost petals that protect the inner petals of the rose. This helps your rose put more energy into producing the prettier inner petals. It will also help your roses open up more.
How to take care of roses in a vase
1. Start with clean tools. Make sure your vase is clean and free of any bacteria that could shorten the life of your flowers. It’s also important to use sharp scissors or a knife when cutting the stems of your roses. A sharp blade will create a clean cut at a sharp angle that won’t damage the stem, allowing the rose to take in more water and stay fresh longer.
2. Use floral food. Floral food packets are available at most grocery stores and can help your roses last a few days longer. Simply add the packet to the water in your vase according to the instructions on the package. This is the best cut rose flower food I have ever tried. Get it here.
3. Change the water regularly. Fresh, clean water is essential for keeping your bouquets fresh. Be sure to drain the old stale water completely and rinse each stem off before adding fresh, lukewarm water. You may also need to trim the stems again if they start to grow moldy or slimy.
Don’t forget to remove rotting leaves and wilted petals.
4. Store roses in a cool, dark place. Once your roses start to die, you can try reviving them by cutting the stem at an angle and placing them in a vase of warm water for about an hour. However, the best way to store cut roses is in a cool, dark place.
If you have a basement or other cool room in your house, that’s ideal. You can also put them in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove them before the door closes. The flowers need some air circulation to stay fresh.
5. Remove spent blooms. To keep your roses looking their best, it’s important to remove any spent blooms. This is a flower head that has already bloomed and is starting to droop. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the spent flowers cleanly. Make a cut just above where the bloom meets the stem.
DIY flower food
If you can’t find floral nutrient packets, you can make your own flower food with household ingredients.
1. Mix one part sugar and two parts lemon juice.
2. Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of bleach to kill bacteria.
3. Stir until the ingredients are dissolved and add to your vase water.
This DIY flower food recipe will help keep your rose bouquets fresh for a few extra days.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your beautiful bouquet of roses for days or even weeks. With a little care, you can keep them looking beautiful.
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
