SRW Tip#9: Listerine® for Keeping Cut Roses Looking Fresh

Rose scientists are not certain why or even how it works. All they know is that it does work.

To preserve the fresh cut appearance of your roses, harvest them early in the morning — before the blooms are fully "blown" (fully opened). Bring them into the house, and place the cut ends into a bowl of water. Then, with a sharp pair of scissors, recut the end of the rose under water and at a 45 degree angle. This second cut should be made about one inch (2.5 cm) above the original cut.

Next, slowly retract the stem from the water. A small water droplet should remain on the cut end of the rose.

Next, insert the cut end into a bottle of Listerine® antiseptic mouthwash, and leave it there for 30 seconds.

Finally, remove the rose from the mouthwash and place it in a vase of fresh water.

Tests using these procedures have shown the cut rose will look fresher and last as much as 30 per cent longer than when using the same procedures without the mouthwash.

And one last note: Be certain to mark the bottle of mouthwash so you won't use it for personal hygiene. [A rose prickle stuck in your gums is no fun! Ouch! :-) ]

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