·        Should not be purchased too immature; the (first) bud must be fully developed and ‘loose’

·        Sensitive to bacteria; use a chlorine pill or other cut flower additive

·        Never mix old and new roses; top the water up regularly

·        Sensitive to ethylene; see general tips 

·        Optimal storage temperature: 35 to 41 F.

Tips for storage and transport 

Precooling

Precooling is done by forcing cold air through the boxes by means of blowing or suction. A wet cooling system is preferable as this keeps dehydration to a minimum. Precooling can also be useful for wholesale importers when boxes are to be further transported. Precooled boxes can be stacked compactly to ensure they suffer the least amount of chill loss. Precooled boxes still have to be transported in climate-controlled trucks. 

·        Roses are extremely susceptible to bacteria, which cause vascular blockages resulting in flowers being unable to absorb water. During the summer, when temperatures are high, bacterial growth can increase sharply in the bucket. It is essential to use clean water at all times. Empty buckets should be stored upside down.   This allows them to dry better and leaves no residual water where bacteria can thrive.

·        Provide a sachet of cut flower food with each bouquet. This supplement keeps the water clean longer. 

·        Never scrape the stems as this causes severe damage, which promotes bacterial growth and shortens the life of all flowers. The damaged stems can also secrete substances that are poisonous to roses. 

·        The use of a thorn remover is not recommended as it also causes too much damage to the stems. A damaged stem has a negative effect on flowering. 

·        An easy way to remove thorns painlessly and quickly is to use a heavy-duty work glove. No injuries and no dirty hands.

·        Wind and drought are fatal for roses. These factors cause increased evaporation from the upper surfaces – more than can replace by absorbing water through the stems. A rose that evaporates more than it can absorb will droop.

Thirteen golden rules to tell your customers about cut roses:

1.     It is important to stick to the following tips to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your bouquet of roses.

2.     Ensure roses are fresh when you buy them. The stems and flower buds must be firm and upright. They should not droop.

3.     If possible buy roses when buds are just opening. Roses whose buds are completely closed run the risk of not opening.

4.     Put your roses into water as soon as possible after purchase and never leave them for hours to dry out in an overheated car. It is best to buy them at the end of your shopping trip.

5.     Ensure the vase is really clean and contains no residues from other bouquets.

6.     Before putting the roses into the vase, slant cut 2 inches from the ends of the stems using a very sharp knife to avoid damage.

7.     There is no need to remove the thorns. If you do wish to have them removed, leave the job to your florist who can do it without causing damage.

8.     Remove all leaves that could hang in the water. They will decay and block the stems so that the flowers will no longer be able to "drink" properly.

9.     Cut flower food is available from your florist and gives the roses extra strength and energy as well as keeping the water clean longer.

10. Keep roses away from ripening fruit, which produces ethylene gas and accelerates the ageing process of the flowers.

11. Top up the water a little at a time and never mix old and new roses.

12. Never buy immature roses, as these generally will not keep well.

13. Use glass vases. These are easier to keep clean than pottery vases, as they have no pores in which bacteria can collect and breed. In addition glass vases allow you to see when the water is dirty. Bacterial contamination results in vascular blockage so that roses droop. 

More information:

Rosa Contour - novelty of February 2008

Rosa Fiesta+ - novelty of august 2007
Rosa Emotions™ - novelty of november 2006
Rosa Bordeaux - novelty of April 2006

Rosa Talea+ - novelty of February 2005

Rosa First Edition - novelty of June 2004 

Rosa Prima Donna - novelty of January 2004

Rosa Sphinx Gold - novelty of October 2003

Rosa F Green - novelty of February 2003