STORY:
How to treat your roses right

With proper care and handling, Valentine's Day roses purchased through a reputable floral organization can continue to bring you joy long after your celebration ends, according to FTD floral experts.

FTD offers the following tips for making your roses last:

* Roses in a box need to be opened immediately. If this cannot be done, put the entire box in a cool, dark place until the roses can be prepared.

* To arrange roses, choose a deep vase, fill it with lukewarm water and mix in the floral preservative provided by the florist.

* Without scraping or cutting the bark, remove any leaves that may fall below the waterline when placed in the vase, as leaves in the water will promote bacterial growth.

* Use a sharp knife or shears to cut an inch off the base of the rose stem while holding it under water. This will prevent air from blocking the flow of water to the head of the bud, which causes roses to droop.

* Want to make your roses appear professionally arranged? Create a tape grid across the top of the vase and place a single rose in each of the grid boxes, thus keeping the roses evenly spaced in the vase.

* Keep the vase full by adding fresh warm water every day. Completely change the water every three to four days.

* For maximum longevity, re-cut stems under water when you change the water and always remember to remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline.

* Give roses a facelift! Gently remove discolored or drooping petals from roses to give them a fresh, just-received appearance even after several days.

* Place the vase in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heating and cooling vents and appliances like televisions that give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.

* Always take time to smell the roses, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day!

FTD will offer a wide selection of flowers, arrangements and gourmet food baskets this Valentine's Day -- perfect gifts for that special someone or friends and family. Consumers can also access FTD's Web site at www.ftd.com where they can order flowers, find the perfect message to accompany the Valentine's Day gift and learn more about the meaning of flowers.

SOURCE FTD