Can I grow roses from store-bought flower stems?

You can definitely grow roses from store-bought flower stems with the right techniques. Grocery store roses work perfectly well if you select fresh stems with healthy nodes. I've propagated dozens this way after receiving bouquets. The success is all about how you prepare florist stems.

Select stems with visible leaf nodes below the blooms. The leaf nodes contain growth cells required for rooting. Avoid stems with displayed wrinkled petals or yellowing leaves. Green wood is better than woody bits. Do not worry about the variety of stems or blooms, as freshness is a key factor in the likelihood of successful propagation.

Immediately after receiving flowers, it is time to prepare the stems. Trim stems to a length of 6-8 inches below a node. Remove all basal leaves entirely to reduce potential rot. Apply rooting hormone within minutes to avoid sap sealing. Timing will keep cells open for new root development.

For a minimum of three weeks, maintain high humidity using plastic covers. Open the covers daily for five minutes to prevent mold from developing. Water the plants only when the top inch of soil is dry. Florist roses often require additional care because they are cultivated specifically for vase life, rather than for rooting.

My greatest success was starting some spray roses from Valentine's bouquets. It was so easy to do, they took root faster than hybrid teas with far less special care. After four weeks, most had already rooted nicely. The following season, they became gorgeous bushes in my garden!

You should typically expect roots within six to ten weeks, depending on the type of rose. Gently tug on the cuttings after five weeks to check for resistance. Transplant when you see there are three new leaves. Start with inexpensive grocery store roses before attempting to produce premium roses. This will test your confidence in the process.

Read the full article: How to Grow Roses from Cuttings