Cut roses are notoriously short-lived, often wilting within days despite careful handling. The internet is full of DIY “hacks” to extend their vase life, including adding sugar to the water. But while the idea isn’t entirely wrong, it’s far more nuanced than most guides suggest. Professional florists and rose farmers agree: sugar alone won’t save your roses – and could even hasten their decline.
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Why People Add Sugar to Roses (and Where They Go Wrong)
The logic behind adding sugar is understandable. Commercial flower food often contains sucrose, leading many to believe that pantry sugar works just as well. This isn’t entirely false; sugar does feed cut flowers, providing energy. However, the key difference lies in what else is in professional flower food: antimicrobial agents.
Adding sugar without these agents creates a bacterial breeding ground. Bacteria thrive on the carbohydrates, rapidly contaminating the water and causing the roses to decay faster. According to floral designer Sullivan Owen, “Sugar alone is not a great idea… it increases the level of carbohydrates that bacteria can feed on.”
The Expert Consensus: Flower Food Is Best 🧪
Both florists and rose farmers overwhelmingly recommend commercial flower food as the most effective way to prolong vase life. Tyler Francis, a lead farmer at April & Ashley, confirms that roses simply last longer with proper flower food.
Products like Chrysal are specially formulated to balance nourishment with bacterial control. To use them effectively, dissolve the flower food thoroughly in water before adding the roses.
Debunking Other DIY Myths 🍋
Many other home remedies circulate, from bleach and vinegar to citrus-flavored soda. Florists advise against these, as they’re either ineffective or potentially harmful.
- Bleach: Too strong and can kill the flowers prematurely.
- Vinegar: While antimicrobial, still less effective than commercial solutions.
- Soda (like Sprite): Ingredient ratios are unreliable, making it a risky choice.
Even diluted bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage roses. Owen warns, “It’s hard to know what the ratios of ingredients are in such products… it’s best to avoid using them.”
A Gentler DIY Option (If You Must) 💧
If you insist on a homemade solution, Francis suggests a milder recipe:
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1 quart of warm water
Crucially, dissolve the sugar fully before adding the roses. Vinegar’s antimicrobial properties are gentler than bleach, but still less potent than professional flower food.
Beyond Water: Other Tips for Rose Longevity 🌿
Keeping roses fresh isn’t just about the water. Other essential steps include:
- Recutting stems: At an angle, underwater, to maximize water absorption.
- Removing foliage below the waterline: To prevent bacterial growth.
- Choosing the right vase: Clean and free of residue.
Ultimately, while sugar isn’t inherently harmful in small doses, relying on DIY solutions alone is a gamble. For guaranteed results, stick to commercially formulated flower food. Your roses will thank you.
