To pick roses for the longest lasting blooms, you should select them when they are in the ideal stage of development and cut from stems that are strong and healthy.
Choosing the right rose bloom to cut is crucial for maximizing its beauty and lifespan in a vase. The key is to pick the flower when it is ready, but not too ready. This ensures the bloom has enough energy stored to open fully indoors.
Here are the specific criteria for picking roses for the longest vase life, based on expert recommendations:
- Stage of Bloom: Choose flowers that are in the late bud stage. This means the bud has swollen significantly and is just beginning to show color.
- Petal Development: The outer petals of the chosen flower should already be open. This indicates the bloom is starting to unfurl but isn't fully blown.
- Overall Openness: Crucially, the flowers should not be fully open. Picking them at this stage allows them to continue developing and opening gradually after cutting, extending their display time.
Where to Cut Your Roses
While it might seem logical to hide your cuts, avoid the temptation to cut from the back of the bush. Instead, focus on selecting lovely blooms with strong stems. These desirable stems are more likely to grow where the sun is best, resulting in healthier, more vibrant flowers suitable for cutting.
