| I often have fresh gathered roses in my home either from my garden or as a gift. I like to put them in a vase and use them for display. However, the gathered roses often wilt quickly. How can I keep fresh gathered roses in my home alive the longest? |
| When you're gathering roses from your own garden, take along a container of water and plunge the stems into the water immediately after cutting from the rose bush. It also helps to choose rose buds that are almost ready to open, or have just begun to open, and to gather your rose buds in the early morning. Once inside, recut the stems under running water and place them in a vase of fresh water. If exposed to air, the cut ends can seal up, preventing water from entering the stems, and shortening the life of your flowers. Another trick is to use one of the following homemade preservatives and use in place of plain water: mix one teaspoon bleach and one tablespoon sugar into one gallon of water, or, mix one cup 7-Up or Sprite into one-half gallon of water. The acid will slow bacterial growth and the sugar will provide nutrients to your cut flowers. Roses will also last longer if you can refrigerate them at night and bring them back out during the day. Hope one or all of the above will help you enjoy your cut flowers for a longer period of time! |
