When you receive those lovely red roses for Valentines Day, how do you maintain them? And how long should they last? These are questions we at Jan Channon Flowers always receive.

Under normal conditions your roses should last up to a week. However due to the unusual cold spell we are having in the Chicago area this winter, it is possible that this year your roses may not be as durable. When flowers are delivered they are exposed to these extreme temps--30 degrees is fine, but 10 degrees is another story! Then they come into our warm homes and offices and have trouble adapting.

Nevertheless, to help your lovely roses last as long as possible, make sure the water temperatures in the vase are tepid not too cold. This enables the roses to drink in their water. Also, grab your roses as a bunch and pull them from the vase each day to cut the stems on an angle. This also helps them continue to drink. And remember, fresh water is what they love so change the water as often as you can remember. Continue to peel off the outer petals as they get older. And you will have a rose bouquet that lasts as long as possible.

Happy Valentines Day!