Keeping Roses fresh?

[FrugalGuy]

I think I heard if put sugar or starch in a vase of water, the roses will stay fresher. Is this true?

 

[FrugalGuy]

bump

 

[andylawcc]

let me guess, you bought those flowers a few days before V-day so you can get a deal, now you are stuck with them and pray that they won't die before Saturday.... ? :?


and sorry I do not know how to keep them fresh.

 

[Uppsala9496]

There is flower food (comes in a small packet usually with the flowers) that you put in the water. I don't recall the ingredients.
What you need to do when you buy flowers is cut the bottom stem at a 45 degree angle while the stem is still submerged in water. That prevents air from penetrating the cut right away and should lengthen the life of the flower an extra couple days. Let the freshly cut flowers sit in water for at least 5 minutes before transfering them to a vase, and then add the "food" to the vase water.
(mom owns a flower shop, and it's amazing what information you retain even when you aren't paying attention)

 

[dabuddha]

I've been told to put an aspirin tablet in the water. My wife did it with the flowers I got for her birthday and they lasted for quite some time.

 

[techfuzz]

Don't use sugar, get some "food" instead. Adding pure sugar will promote the growth of mold & bacteria.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7355.html

techfuzz