Rose petals are a great decoration for weddings, parties and other events. After you remove the petals from the plant, try to use them as soon as possible. However, if you can't do this, you can always keep them fresh by storing them in the fridge.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Harvesting Techniques to Keep Petals Fresh
Step 1. Choose fresh rose petals
When harvesting the petals, it is very important that the roses are fresh. If the roses are yours, make sure the bush is well hydrated before cutting the flowers. It would be best to water the plant the night before removing the roses.
Step 2. Remember to cut the young roses early in the morning, before it starts to get hot
To cut the stems, use a sharp knife: a clean and precise cut will allow the stem to absorb water better, as opposed to an imperfect cut made with a dull tool.
Try making a diagonal cut rather than straight and perpendicular to the stem. This way the cell area of the flower is better exposed to water and the stem can drink more
Step 3. Avoid picking the roses immediately after the rain stops, the petals are very wet
It is very important that the petals are dry when you store them. If they are damp, spread them out on a clean, dry towel and let them dry by patting them gently.
Step 4. Keep the flowers cool until you are ready to detach the petals
Place the flowers in cold water in a vase or other clean container until you are ready to detach the petals. Keeping the pot in a cool place like a garage or basement is a great idea, but the important thing is that it is protected from drafts and sunlight.
Avoid placing the jar near electrical appliances such as TVs, as they emit heat. Change the water every other day
Step 5. Detach the petals from the still closed buds
You should choose the petals of the buds that are still closed and not the ones that are already falling off on their own. However, don't use buds that are too young - wait when they are about to open.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Fridge to Keep Petals Fresh
Step 1. Remove the petals from the roses
Gently remove any bugs and damaged petals and buds. To detach the petals from the rose:
- Gently grasp the closed bud just below the petals.
- Squeeze around the base under the petals and gently twist the stem to drop the petals. Be careful not to ruin them.
Step 2. Wet a paper towel
Take some kitchen paper, fold it several times and wet it lightly. It should act like a sponge, without dripping. Place the wet paper towel inside a clear plastic or freezer bag (possibly with an airtight seal).
Alternatively, you can use a plastic tub or an empty container (such as ice cream or margarine). Make sure it's dry and clean
Step 3. Put the paper on the bottom of the bag or container
Place the petals on top of the paper, being careful not to damage or break them. If necessary, use more plastic bags or containers.
To prevent the petals from rotting, make sure they get enough air
Step 4. Close the bag with the provided airtight seal or put the lid on the plastic container
Keep them in the fridge away from other things that could damage them. If you want, you can still stack the bags on top of each other, making sure they aren't too heavy.
Make sure the petals are not touching the walls of the fridge or they may freeze. For example, the back wall would make them frozen and soft
Step 5. Every other day, remove the petals from the fridge
Gently shake the containers and turn them upside down. This way the petals will get air and won't stick together.
Step 6. Store the petals for 3 to 7 days
Sometimes it is possible to keep fresh rose petals in the fridge for up to a week, but it is always best to remove them first, ideally as soon as possible after removing them from the rose.
-
Try to use the petals within 3 days, after removing them from the flower.
Keep Rose Petals Fresh Step 12 Step 7. Consider drying the petals after use
After your event is over, you can dry the petals and create a flower arrangement. Lay them out in a single layer in a dry, dark place for about two weeks. When they are dry, store them in a clean, dry container. Add drops of rose essential oil.
Before preparing the flower arrangement, remember to shake the container with the petals every other day
Advice
- If you decide to keep the petals for an important event like a wedding, rehearse beforehand to get an idea of the storage times.
- Try leaving the roses on the bush for a long time. The best way to preserve the petals is the rose bush! It is always best to collect them at the last minute.
