Keep those blooms beautiful

The key to a flower lasting is to keep the water flowing into it. Before placing into a vase, cut ½-inch to an inch off the calloused end of the rose to expose fresh stem structure, which will allow the rose to get a better drink of water.

Even better: Cut the roses under water in a bowl or a sink to prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake. Place the roses immediately in the vase after cutting under water. Otherwise, you will have to recut the stems.

Roses need food since they are no longer attached to a plant and creating their own. Use the floral preservative or the little packet of powder that comes with the flowers to feed your roses.

But pay attention to the package instructions! It’s crucial that you follow the directions carefully and mix the solution properly, Lanker said.

If you don’t, you could accidentally overfeed the roses with a concentrated mixture by adding too much preservative or too little water. This expedites the aging process.

Adding too little preservative or too much water also is harmful. For example, the sugar in the flower food attracts bacteria, and a diluted solution lacks enough biocide to kill the bacteria in the water.

If you’re in a rush, Lanker advises just using plain tap water. This is a better option than placing roses in an improperly mixed solution.

Remove foliage under the water level because the leaves will attract bacteria, but leave as many thorns on as possible, regardless of whether they are under water. Every thorn removed creates a wound where bacteria can enter and shorten the life of the rose, Lanker said.

Roses love cool, humid temperatures. It’s why florists generally store roses in refrigerators kept between 33 and 35 degrees.

To keep your roses happy, place them in a cool, humid part of your home away from direct heat and drafts, which dry the flowers. If your refrigerator can store a vase, keep roses there or in the basement overnight. Take out the bouquet to display in the morning.

Roses crave attention, so check them every day.

After about five days, give your roses a makeover with a fresh vase of water. Make sure you dump the old water, wash the vase and rinse the stems to remove any slime from bacteria. Then recut the stems about ½-inch to allow fresh water uptake. If you have another flower food packet available, mix the solution properly and add it. If not, use regular tap water.