Care of Cut Roses With Sugar

Mixing the Solution

• 1

  Mix 2 tbsp. lemon juice with 1 tbsp. sugar. Lemon juice acidifies the mixture, keeping the stems and greenery of the roses in tip-top shape.

• 2

  Add 1/4 tsp. of bleach to the lemon juice and sugar mixture. Bleach neutralizes the color of the solution and inhibits bacterial growth in the vase.

• 3

  Dilute the solution with 1 qt. of warm water.

• 4

  Mix a non-diet lemon-lime soda with water in a 1-to-3 ratio to concoct a solution that includes both sugar and citric acid. Add 1/4 tsp. of bleach.

• 5

  Combine 2 tbsp. vinegar with1 tbsp. of granulated sugar. Dilute with 1 gallon of water. Vinegar is both acidic and a mild fungicidal.

Care of Sugar Water Roses

• 6

  Cut away 1 to 2 inches of stem at an angle before placing your roses in the vase. Perform this action under running water using a sharp utensil, such as scissors, shears or even a kitchen knife. The running water helps prevent and eliminate air bubbles in the stem, which shorten the life of cut flowers. The angle allows the stems to better make use of the water in the vase.

• 7

  Fill a vase with distilled or de-mineralized water that's at room temperature, or slightly higher for new roses.

• 8

  Mix the sugar-based solution into the water. Allow the sugar solution to settle in the vase and mix thoroughly before placing the flowers into the water.

• 9

  Replace the water in the vase daily, if possible. Fresh water extends the life of cut roses. Add the sugar mixture to the new water. Re-cut the stems of the roses when you change the water under running water to ensure a clear pathway for the water to circulate.