Valentine's roses can be extended well beyond the holiday, given the proper care.
Tips to extend the life of Valentine’s Day roses
K-State horticulture expert shares guidelines to keep roses fresh
At a glance: K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini shares a few tips for extending the life of roses received for Valentine's Day, or any other time of year.
More information: Cynthia Domenghini, Cdom@ksu.edu
Related: K-State Horticulture Newsletter
Jan. 30, 2025
K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but the holiday’s favorite flower often declines shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini offers guidelines to extend the life of floral arrangements and loose stems.
“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water,” Domenghini said. “Add fresh water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”
Domenghini suggests recutting loose stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife to allow the stem to continue drawing water.
“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” Domenghini said.
For loose stems, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.
“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth,” Domenghini said, “Stems should be cut immediately before putting them in water.”
If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, Domenghini added.
Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.
Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to hortsupport@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.