How Do You Grow Roses From Long Stem Cut Roses?
Drying the entire bouquet or saving the petals of long-stem roses given on a special occasion is irresistible. Dried flowers will eventually fade and can disintegrate if not stored properly. However, if you can bear to sacrifice a few flowers, you can turn that special bouquet into living rose bushes. Most roses for the cut flower market are grown in South America and drenched in fungicides, pesticides and other chemicals before they are allowed into the U.S. These chemicals make rooting cuttings difficult. Expect a 50 to 75 percent failure rate. Even with a high failure rate, taking a chance on rooting long-stem roses can give you living plants not typically found in the average garden, besides being a clever way to keep the memory of special occasions alive. Cut the flowers from the stems on a 45-degree angle. Cut the stems into 5- to 7-inch pieces, slicing them at a 45-degree angle. Leave at least one branch with three to five leaves per piece. Discard pieces that do not have leaves
