How to show roses - Part 1

​Cutting the Roses
 
The least optimal time to cut a rose is in the afternoon. Late afternoon to early evening before the day of the show is one of two good choices. The stems will remain strong and rigid because the sugar in the cane is highest at this time of day. This guarantees the rose will keep better.  The second good choice is the morning of the rose show. It has been said that 90% of our rose blooms open between dawn and 10:00 a.m.
 
Immediately after cutting your rose, put it into cool water. Do not use tepid water because that will encourage the bloom to open further.  If you have a bucket, then fill it to the top and put your roses in, three or four, up to the neck of the rose.  If you put in more than this, they may mingle with each other and tear petals, blooms or both of each other.  You must be careful at this point.  The bucket should be put in a cool dark place for the night, or taken directly to the show, if it is the morning of the show.
 
Do not cut a rose from of a one year old or newer rose shrub.  It is not good for them until they are at least two years old.  When cutting a rose to take to the show, cut the stem ideally 22-24 inches long, if possible.  When you prepare the rose and place it in its final vase for the show, then you can cut more off to get the right height. 
 

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