Guide to Harvesting Roses for Beautiful Blooms and Long Vase Life

Roses are timeless symbols of beauty and love, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements. To ensure you enjoy the most beautiful blooms and longest vase life from your roses, follow these guidelines:

1. Choosing the Right Time:

• Harvest roses early in the morning when the weather is cool. This is when the flowers are most hydrated and vibrant.

• Select roses that are in the bud stage or have just started to open. Avoid fully opened blooms as they won't last as long.

2. Tools Needed:

• Use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts. Dull blades can damage the stems and affect water uptake, shortening the vase life.

3. Harvesting Process:

• Identify the rose stems you want to cut and follow them down to a set of leaves with five leaflets. Make your cut at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above this point. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption.

• Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line in the vase. Submerged leaves can decay and promote bacterial growth.

4. Immediate Care:

• Once cut, place the roses immediately in a bucket of lukewarm water. Let them sit for a few hours to rehydrate before arranging.

• Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle underwater to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems, which can block water uptake.

5. Longevity Tips:

• Change the water in the vase every 2 days to prevent bacterial growth. Recut the stems at an angle each time.

• Place the roses in a cool location away from direct sunlight and drafts to prolong their vase life.

• Consider adding floral preservatives to the water to provide essential nutrients for the roses.

By following these steps, you can ensure your harvested roses display their beauty for as long as possible, bringing joy and elegance to any space.