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Receiving a bouquet of fresh roses on Valentine’s Day can truly warm the heart. The delightful scent and vibrant petals add a touch of romance to any space, but these beauties often fade too quickly. Luckily, experts have shared simple methods to help your Valentine’s Day roses stay fresh longer this year.
“Under proper care, roses typically last 7-10 days, with some varieties enduring even longer,” notes Justin Lievano, lead floral designer at UrbanStems. “English roses or garden roses are usually more fragrant but have a shorter lifespan, while hybridized roses found at most florists and stores may lack scent but offer better longevity.”
No matter the type of roses you receive, these expert-backed suggestions will assist in maintaining their freshness and aroma well into late February. All it takes is a few minutes each day!
1. Trim the stems at an angle:
Upon receiving the flowers and with every water change thereafter, trim the stems at an angle. “Use floral shears to snip about a quarter-inch off the stems to keep them hydrated,” advises Lievano. “A 45-degree angle cut increases water absorption due to a larger surface area on woody stems like roses.”
2. Ensure a clean vase:
After trimming the roses, place them in a clean vase to flourish. While some vases are dishwasher-safe, others require handwashing with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly to avoid harming the roses with soap residue.
3. Water promptly:
Once the flowers are trimmed and the vase is ready, immerse the roses in fresh water as soon as possible. Although many flowers can survive briefly without water, quick water immersion enhances their lifespan.
4. Utilize flower food:
Boost your roses with flower food, available in powder or liquid form, suitable for various cut flowers. “This mixture includes antibacterial agents to halt harmful bacteria growth and sugars to nourish the blooms,” explains Lievano. Follow the mixing instructions carefully for optimal benefits and avoid homemade alternatives like bleach, soda, or aspirin.
5. Change water and trim stems regularly:
Every other day, completely change the water in the vase for optimal results. Additionally, remember to trim the stems at a 45-degree angle, following the initial trimming process.
6. Avoid direct sunlight:
While roses need sunlight, it’s best to shield them from direct sunlight and heat sources.
It could harm the petals. “Both will encourage bacterial growth in the vase water, which will age and kill your flowers more quickly,” says Lievano. To prevent this, ensure your bouquet receives ample indirect sunlight in a room-temperature setting. Remove wilting petals as needed. Even when following these guidelines diligently, your roses will eventually begin to wilt. When this occurs, it’s advisable to pluck off the faded petals to maintain the freshness of your arrangement. Additionally, rotate your vase periodically so that all roses can benefit from exposure to light. Remember to use proper tools such as garden shears, fresh-cut flower food, flower food, garden scissors, and a clear glass flower vase for optimal care. These items can be found at various prices on amazon.com. For a delightful gift idea, explore the selection of 67 Best Gifts for Women That’ll Make Her Smile and discover The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper.
