A bunch of fresh-cut roses is always a visual treat, and it is disheartening to see it wilt. Here are some tips on how to keep your roses fresh for a longer time.

I'd rather have roses on my table
than diamonds round my neck.
Emma Goldman

Roses are perfect for every occasion - as gifts, or for flower arrangements. Everyone wants to keep these flowers fresh for a long time. Extra care is needed to enhance the longevity of cut roses. Right from cutting the flowers, pruning the stems, and preparing the vase, you need to exercise special care.

How to Cut Roses Properly

Cutting flowers from the rose plant is a simple task, but when it comes to maintaining the freshness of cut flowers, you have to follow certain guidelines.

• Water your plant well before cutting. If you want to cut the flowers in the morning, water the plant the previous evening itself.
• Cut the flowers early in the morning or in the evening, before the weather gets hot.
• Always choose flowers that are not fully open, but avoid fully closed buds. Don't cut wet or damp flowers.
• Don't use scissors for cutting, as they can damage the stems. Your garden shears will serve the purpose. Make sure that the blades are cleaned and sterilized.
• Cut the stems at an angle. Ensure that the stems of the flowers are long enough to be resized later. Carry a container with tepid water, and immerse the stems, soon after cutting.
• Re-cut the stems beneath the water to eliminate air bubbles, which can cause wilting of the flowers.

Tips to Maintain Cut Roses

Don't take out the roses from the container with water, until you are ready to display them. Make sure that the flowers are not wet. Once you bring the container indoors, keep it in a cool, dark place, for at least an hour. If you don't want to display them immediately, keep the flowers in the refrigerator at a temperature of 38° F, till you take them out.

• Fill three-fourth of the vase or jar with warm water. The water should not be cooler than the room temperature.
• Add the ready-made preservatives, and dissolve them completely. If ready-made preservatives are not available, add ¼ cup of clear soda into the water. Preservatives help in retaining freshness of flowers.
• Remove those leaves that are immersed in water. There should not be any torn, infected, damaged, or brown leaves on the stem of cut flowers.
• Cut the stem of each flower separately (Preferably beneath water) at an angle of 45 degrees to facilitate easier absorption of water. Cut off half an inch from the bottom of the stem, and arrange the flowers in the vase.
• You have to trim the stems and leaves, and change the water in the vase on a daily basis. This helps in keeping them fresh, and prevents rotting. Add preservatives every time you change the water.
• Keep the vase in a cool place to maintain the freshness of flowers. However, a slightly warm location is good for the buds to open completely. Always keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters, and air conditioners.

The same method is applicable for bouquets too (sans the cutting part). Hope these tips help you to keep your roses fresh for a longer duration. Try this, the next time you get a bouquet of roses, or when you plan flower arrangement.