A bouquet of long stemmed roses can be a beautiful way to make a statement. Getting a single graceful flower on top of a long, lush green stem takes time and effort, and it is because of this unique quality that these flowers are considered elite. Buying them from your local florist can be very expensive, so many aficionados may be wondering how to grow these long stemmed roses at home. Even if a little work is needed, if you have some time to invest to take care of them, you can grow them yourself by spending much less.
Steps
Step 1. Plant the long-stemmed varieties that are best suited for home growing
Among the best are: Mona Lisa, Message, Super Star, Lara, Carina, Mabella, Evergold and many others. These bushes are hardy enough to withstand life in the garden and, if well maintained, are capable of producing longer stems.
Step 2. Read carefully the care instructions for the rose variety you have chosen
The right location in which you plant the bush is essential to ensure good growth. As a rule, it is advisable to identify an area away from direct sunlight. If necessary, place a tarp or other shelter over the bush to create a shady environment.
Step 3. Use garden shears to prune everything, you just have to hold the top bud of each stem
Most rose bushes initially tend to produce several buds on each stem, and you will need to gently remove any extra buds that sprout in order to help the long stem grow. During the pruning process, pay attention to how you cut, to avoid damaging the main bud or stem it is on. If you prune properly, the stem should resemble those sold by florists.
Step 4. Use shears to cut surrounding or supporting branches on each stem
Only the stem, leaves and central or top bud should remain. Prune the branches carefully, so as not to cut the tender inner part of the stem.
Step 5. Choose a specific rose fertilizer to feed your flowers
If you can't find a specific solution, try a humus fertilizer, available at garden stores.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines very carefully when applying fertilizer to roses. Putting too little on it means you're not feeding them enough, while too much can burn and kill the flowers
Step 6. Water the bushes every 2 days
To thrive, both bushes and blooms need at least 2.5-7.5cm of water each week, divided into several waterings. If you live in a fairly hot climate, you may need to water more often or more. An ideal way to test the right amount is to check the soil in which the roses are planted. If it is dry to the touch, the flowers are thirsty.
Step 7. Spray the sprouts with a spray bottle once they have formed and keep spraying them each time you water
This process keeps dust and dirt away and helps hydrate the petals.
Advice
- Obviously, the longer you encourage the stems to grow, the better the result will be. But when the bud begins to bloom, it's time to cut the flower. If you wait too long, the flower will fully open on the bush again. The ideal time is when the bud is slightly open and before it actually begins to bloom. Cut the stem as close to the base of the bush as possible to get a very long stem.
- If you are taking rose growing very seriously and want to develop it further, you should invest in a greenhouse. There are several solutions that you can build or buy pre-made, but know that controlling the temperature of a greenhouse is a fundamental requirement for growing long-stemmed roses. You can search online for different styles of greenhouses or visit local garden centers or nurseries. While the initial cost may seem quite steep, if you buy long-stemmed roses often, it pays off ample.
