Proper care can extend the life of the favored holiday flower
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The calendar indicates that love will soon be in the air, and for those fortunate to receive Valentine’s Day roses, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has some guidelines for extending the life of the flowers.
“For floral arrangements,” he said, “keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water. Add fresh, warm water daily. If the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”
Upham suggests re-cutting stems by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, while holding the stem under water.
The roses should be kept in a cool spot – 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit, Upham said – and away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents. He also suggests avoiding areas under ceiling fans or near radiators.
“If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement and re-cut the stem under water,” he said. “Submerge the entire rose in warm water. The rose should revive in 1-2 hours.”
For loose stem roses, Upham shared the following tips:
• If you can’t get your flowers in a food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.
• Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from the florist. Follow directions on the package.
• Remove leaves that will be below the water line. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.
• Re-cut stems under water with a sharp knife and place the flowers in the vase solution.
Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.
Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at [email protected], or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
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FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
K-State Horticulture Newsletter, https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html
K-State Research and Extension local offices, www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Ward Upham
785-532-6173
[email protected]
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