cutting and conditioning blooms to last

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Cutting and conditioning Rose Blooms ◄Back
by Corinne Brown

Although cut roses will not last as long as some other flowers, their life can be considerably extended if a few simple rules are followed when cutting, conditioning and arranging.

After having planted, pruned, fertilized and showered lots of TLC on your precious roses, when you cut a bouquet for your home or to give away, you want the blooms to last so they can be enjoyed as long as possible.

In order for your cut roses to last, they need a flow of water up the stem after they are cut from the bush. When air bubbles form on the ends of the cut stems, it prevents the uptake of water and the blooms will not have a long life. There are three very important rules concerning cutting - the pruning shears must be clean to avoid bacterial infection, the blades should be sharp to avoid crushing the stems and the cut should be sloping so that a large area of the stem surface is exposed to carry water up the stem. It is best to cut rose blooms from well watered plants, so if possible give your rose bushes a good drink the day before you intend to cut blooms.

When cutting rose blooms it's best to follow "pruning" guidelines by cutting to an outward facing bud about one quarter inch above a 5-leaflet leaf where the cane is thick enough to support a new cane and flowers.

The experts generally agree that the best time to harvest flowers is in the early morning as the dew is drying, or in the evening after the sun has gone down. The least auspicious time to cut roses is mid-day as transpiration rates are at a peak and plants are rapidly losing moisture through their leaves. When you go into your garden to cut roses, carry a bucket of very warm water (cold water inhibits the uptake of water into the stems) which will help to encourage water to flow up the stems. Cut your roses from the bush and immerse in the water; then re-cut approximately one inch off the bottom of the stem while under water. Cutting the stem under water will prevent air bubbles from forming on the tips of the stems. The objective is to get water as quickly as possible to the bloom at the top of the stem. When your bouquet is complete, take your bucket of roses to a cool dark place and allow the roses to "harden off" for several hours, or over-night.

When you arrange your roses, be sure your vase or container is scrupulously clean and remove any foliage that will be submerged in water. Adding a floral preservative (available at florist shops) to tepid water will help to increase the life span of the roses. Floral preservatives supply sugars needed for survival and growth as well as disinfectants to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water. Giving your bouquet fresh water and re-cutting the stems under water every 3-4 days will add further to the life of your roses.

There are several homemade versions of floral preservative that work well. Tonic water or lemon-lime soda (not diet) at a rate of 2 parts water to one part soda or tonic water, or 2 aspirins, one teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of bleach to a quart of water.

Enjoy your Roses!

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