Rose Tips from the Experts

OK, so how to make those roses last a little longer? Researchers at the University of Florida have figured out how to extend a rose's life on the way to the retailer so that what you get is a rose (left, 'Lovepeace') that's likely to look good at least three more days.  Terril Nell of the UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences , says "keeping flowers cold as they move from field to the florist is critical." Nell and his researchers (right) are also working on techniques to extend the life of carnations, lilies, gerbera, chrysanthemums and alstromeria. 

One of the big rose problems is so-called "bent neck," -- and who hasn't seen that -- when the stem bends just below the bloom and the flower fails to open fully.  Nell says that problem has been reduced by "improved handling procedures ... and better rose varieties."   To extend  the life  of a rose, Nell recommends looking for freshly-cut stems when you buy, re-cutting them once you get them home, using a commercial flower food, and placing the roses in a clean vase in a cool place that's out of direct sunlight. That'll keep the roses, if not love, alive.

(photos: AAS; Kristen Bartlett/University of Florida)