JACKSON, Mississippi– If you’re wanting to keep the roses longer, or maybe skip the roses, News Mississippi has you covered with tips from Garden Mama Nellie Neal.
A beautiful bouquet of roses for Valentine’s Day. It’s the staple for sweeties across the country, but it can be a very expensive, die-in-a-week type staple. Garden Mama Nellie Neal has some tips to keep the flowers fresher, longer.
“Cut the stems and put them in fresh water, every day,” says Neal, “this does a great job of re-hydrating the stem and will keep them alive for about a week longer.”
Neal says to “never say never,” but it is rare to have the roses any longer than that. So planting them probably won’t be successful.
“It is rare that cut rose stems grow into a healthy bush when planted,” says Neal, “it may take a few roots.”
But if you’re wanting to skip roses and think outside the box, Neal says to think inside the pot.
“You can’t go wrong with red tulips,” says Neal, “they’re beautiful…cut or in a pot.”
And tulips aren’t the only option. Neal says there are several orchids that are potted and sold this time of year, and they do better indoors than people think.
“And your sweetie will think of this gift every day,” says Neal, “when they begin to bloom again in a few months.”
