Cutting Roses for Bouquets
The first step in making a perfect bouquet is cutting the roses. This may seem simple, but there are some important things to remember when cutting flowers. First, start with a good pair of sharp scissors or shears. If they are too dull, they will crush the stem. A curved pair of sharp gardening shears is the best tool for the job. Choose roses with petals just starting to open in order to get long-lasting blooms for your arrangement. Cut roses in the morning when they are the most hydrated. When planning to cut roses, make sure they have been well watered. Cut the stems at an angle and close to the base of the rose bush. Place cut flowers immediately into a bucket of water.
Perfect Do It Yourself Rose Bouquet
When arranging roses in a vase or other vessel, consider the length of the stem. Trim as much off the bottom as needed, cutting at a 45-degree angle while the stems are submerged in water. Remove all of the leaves that would be underwater in the vase. This will prevent rot. Cutting the stems to the desired length is one of the most important things you can do to change the look of your arrangement. Experiment with lengths and cut a little at a time to get it just how you want it. You can also use rubber bands to bundle a few roses together to achieve a more even-looking arrangement. To keep your arrangement fresher longer, add a preservative to the water. You can buy this in any garden store or make your own. A simple recipe is to add two tablespoons (29.5 mL.) of white vinegar, two teaspoons (10 mL.) of sugar, and a half teaspoon (2.5 mL.) of bleach for every quart (1 L.) of water. Also, when you arrange roses in a vase or other container, be sure it is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use. Cut a little more off the rose stems every few days and change the water at the same time to avoid rot.
