Increasing the Longevity of Cut Roses

Overview

Objectives/Goals My project's goal was to see if different substances (nutrients, antimicrobials, or both), different stem heights, and different water levels increase the longevity of cut red roses. Methods/Materials 21 dozen red roses were purchased to conduct 4 trials to assess rose longevity: 1) stem height and water level, 2) nutrients (sugar, Sprite, flower food, aspirin), 3) antimicrobials (copper, bleach, vinegar, vodka), and 4) best of nutrients and antimicrobials combined. Each assessment was evaluated with a dozen roses, which were checked twice daily for stem turgor and petal wilt on a scale of 0-3. Longevity was determined by time from start until a score of 3 in either category. Averages of survival were compared using a two-tailed Student t-test at P<=0.05. Sample size (12) per assessment was based on 80% power to detect a half day (12 hour) difference in rose longevity assuming the average rose lives one week. Results For Trial 1, a shorter stem height of 15 inches and a lower water level of 5 inches significantly prolonged rose life. For Trial 2, Sprite (1:3 ratio with water) significantly improved rose longevity by 47 hours. In Trial 3, no antimicrobial substance significantly improved rose longevity over water control. Vinegar and bleach were toxic to roses. Water, copper, and vodka were carried into Trial 4. For Trial 4, Sprite alone (1:3 ratio with water) again significantly prolonged rose longevity. Conclusions/Discussion For cut red roses with a 15 inch stem in 5 inches of water, Sprite (1:3 ratio with water) was the only substance that significantly increased rose life. Flower food was not beneficial and vinegar and bleach were toxic, even in small quantities. Limitations included placing only 3 roses per vase, which may have minimized microbial activity and limited antimicrobial benefit. Results are applicable to the millions of people who receive cut red roses each year.

Awards (1)

• First Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2016 Product Science (Biological) (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1909

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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