How to Help Roses Live Longer

Water roses generously the night before you plan to cut them. The flowers soak in the water overnight, allowing for a hardier cut rose.

Cut the rose stem with non-serrated scissors and at an angle in the morning or before the heat of the day.

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Place each rose into the bucket as soon as you cut it. The water should cover the stem, but not touch the rose petals. After cutting all the roses, place the bucket in a cool, dark space for one hour.

Remove the roses from the bucket and place loosely on top of a towel. Pat the stems dry gently with the towel.

Transfer the flowers onto paper towels and place inside the refrigerator for two hours.

Fill a sink with water. Hold the end of the stems under water and snip off the very end. This technique removes any air bubbles clinging to the bottom of the stem. Air bubbles keep water from entering the stem and nourishing the rose.

Transfer the rose immediately to a vase filled with water to keep air bubbles from reforming.

Replace the vase water daily or at least every two days with fresh water. Do not place roses near windows with direct sunlight or by heating vents, which dry out the flowers and cause wilting.