How to Keep Roses Fresh for Longer

Fresh roses always make a great impression, but they can start to lose their luster as their time in bloom draws to a close. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to prolong their lifespan, whether they're in your garden or a vase in your kitchen. By providing them with enough water, feeding them with a balanced plant food or a little glucose, and keeping them at a consistent temperature, you can ensure that your roses stay in their prime for days or even weeks.

1. Start with a clean vase.

Wash the vase in the dishwasher or by hand with warm, antibacterial soap before placing the roses in it for display. Using a clean container is important because dirty vases harbor bacteria, minerals, and chemical residues from tap water.

1. Fill the vase with filtered or distilled water.

Use bottled water to keep your new roses hydrated or invest in a water filtration system that filters tap water. Roses fare best in water with a neutral pH as much as possible, which won't cause wilting or discoloration like hard or soft water can.

1. Add two tablespoons of sugar to the vase water.

Plain granulated sugar is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep cut flowers fed. A good rule of thumb is to use about two tablespoons per 32 ounces of water, which helps to keep their cells and tissues full and plump.

1. Keep your roses away from direct sunlight and heat.

Keeping roses cool helps to preserve them after they're picked, just like fruit. The cooler the environment in general, the better for your roses, so resist the temptation to place them on a windowsill or in a lovely ray of sunshine for extended periods of time. Concentrated heat will cause them to wilt quickly.

1. Display the flowers away from fruits and vegetables.

Ethylene, a gas that promotes ripening, is emitted by fruits over time. It's possible that the ethylene in the air around the roses could have the same effect if they're too close, so it's best to choose a fruit bowl or vase for your cut flowers, not both.

1. Pick the flowers early in the day.

The countdown to the life of roses begins when you cut them from their branches, so don't waste any time and gather your display flowers in the morning while they still have all their moisture. The warmer it is outside, the more moisture they'll lose.

1. Change the vase water every day to three days.

A good general rule of thumb is to change the water as soon as it starts to look cloudy, regardless of how long it's been in the vase. Regularly refilling the display container prevents the buildup of bacteria and ensures that there's a fresh supply of clean water for the flowers to absorb, as well as keeping the fragrance fresh.

1. Trim 1 inch from the stem each time you refill the vase.

Use a clean, sharp pruning shears or knife to cut the stem at an angle. The angled cut increases the surface area exposed to the water, so your thirsty flowers will be better able to drink.

By following these simple tips, you can help your roses last for days or even weeks longer.