Caring for your Fresh-Cut Roses

The following is a list of suggestions from we offer to help you care for your roses.

• As soon as you receive the roses, place all the bunches (the whole bunch of 25 stems) in bucket(s) of cool and fresh water (leave the carton wrapped around the roses) for at least 1 hour before using the roses (roses need time to hydrate). The water level should be around 4-6 inches so that all stems are submerged. Do not wet the leaves or the rose buds when submerging the roses in water.

• Store your flowers in a cool place, away from sunlight or other heat sources (never use freezers, or home refrigerators) while the roses are hydrating.

• Once you are ready to arrange your roses, open the carton and cut the stems diagonally at least 1 inch, with a sharp knife. (Do not let the edge that has been cut dry off before placing the rose into the container with water).

• Carefully pluck off one or two outer "guard petals" of your roses if they have become bruised during shipping.

• Always use a clean vase.

• Always use cool clean and fresh water to fill the vase.

• Dissolve the "Flower Food" powder included in the box in water (please follow instructions on the back of the flower food package).  Remove all the leaves that are below the water level, this will help to reduce the build up of bacteria. (Leaves left underwater will rot and bacteria will build up, shortening the life of the roses).

• Remove the outside petals (if you want).

• It is recommended to change the water of the vase and to cut the stems 1 - 2 inches from the bottom in a diagonal fashion, once every two days.   Keep your roses away from sunlight or other heat sources; the cooler the temperature, the slower the roses will open.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• To dry flowers, clip some of the blooms and place them in the center of a heavy book, such as a thick telephone book. Place additional weight on the book and set aside for about 2 weeks. After the flowers have dried, place them in a scrapbook or use them for other craft projects. You may also purchase a flower press at most craft stores.

Columbus discovered America because of a rose! It is written that on October 11, 1492, in the Sargasso Sea, one of the crewmen picked a rose branch from the water. This sign of land renewed their hope for survival and gave the seafarers the courage to continue on to the New World.