Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted April 1997
Roses and other flowers are sold for Valentine's gifts in two ways -- in pre-assembled arrangements or loose in a box or bouquet. Floral arrangements purchased in containers are pre-conditioned to give the longest vase-life. Generally, arrangements are good purchases for Valentine givers with little time or those inexperienced with cut flowers.
If roses are purchased in a box or as a loose bouquet, gift receivers need to do what the florist does to achieve the longest and best floral display. First, re-cut each stem, removing about 2 inches of dry stem at the base, so the flower can draw water. Use a sharp knife, and make the cuts at a 45 degree angle, so the stem base does not stand flat against the bottom of the vase. Some floral designers cut the stems while holding them under water on the assumption that any air entering the stem hinders the uptake of liquids. It has not been proven whether this practice helps, but it doesn't hurt.
A conscientious flower giver may provide a packet of floral preservative tucked into the gift. Floral preservative promotes long-lasting cut flowers. It contains sugar, acid, and a bacteria-control agent. The dry powder is mixed per package directions, usually in warm water. The resulting solution is used to fill the vase or saturate the foam used for an arrangement. Hold onto any remaining preservative solution to add to arranged flowers when they need watering.
Whether set in a vase or arranged in a container, flowers retain their freshest look when displayed in a cool, draft-free environment out of direct sunlight. If possible, move flowers to a place, such as a cool basement or breezeway, overnight. Do not place them in a refrigerator that contains fruit because the ethylene gas produced from ripening fruit accelerates the decomposition of the flowers.
Remember to keep arrangements watered, using the preservative solution, if possible. After three to four days, pull flowers from container, and re-cut stems. Arrange again with fresh preservative. If any roses develop bent necks, submerge the stems -- flower and all -- in warm water in a flat pan. This may revive a droopy blossom.
(Prepared by Virginia Nathan with information provided by Alan McDaniel, Extension Specialist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327.)