How to make cut roses last longer

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How to make cut roses / flowers last longer

Did you know that it's possible to make your beautiful cut roses last for up to a week longer? Our favorite flower gal, Rebecca Cole shares a few simple tricks of the trade on how to condition roses.

When you bring home roses, before you arrange a bouquet, they need to spend an hour being conditioned. It may sound like a lot of work, but you will be able to enjoy your roses for a week longer.

1. Start with a clean container of water. Add half a packet of flower freshener and save the other half for a refresh later in the week.

2. Remove excess leaves and thorns. You can get rid of extra leaves and thorns with a device called a rose stripper. You simply place it on the stem and then sweep down, cutting off the leaves and thorns as you travel down the stem. You can also do this with a sharp pocket knife, by gently cutting away the excess leaves and thorns.

3. Cut the stem with a knife to create a sharp diagonal cut. The more exposed the stem is by the diagonal cut, the more water can get in to travel up the stem to nourish the bloom.

4. Place the stems in the conditioned water. Leave them there for a full hour. Then, you can begin making your arrangement.

5. After a few days, change the water, add the other half of the flower freshener and cut the stems again.