How do we know if the roses we buy are fresh or not?

Roses come in different colors and each has a different meaning and message. Red roses mean "I love you!" White is a symbol of innocence and purity, and pink is a gift of elegance and grace. No matter what you do, don't send a bouquet of black roses (which are actually just dark red roses) to your special someone, as this indicates the death of a relationship!

Touch the petals

In our buying flowers guide, we explain how to tell if flowers are fresh, by touching the petals. If the petals are soft and fragile, you can buy them with confidence. However, if they feel soft to the touch, avoid buying them, as this means they are about to wilt.

Squeeze the stem

Squeezing the bottom of the stems will help you tell if the rose is fresh. If the stem feels firm and stretched, it is a good sign that the rose is in excellent condition and the stem is strong enough to hold the top of the flower for a few days. However, if the part you pinch crushes easily, it means that the rose is old and the stem is weak, so you should avoid this.

Look carefully at the flowers

Flower Buying GuideLook for roses with colorful, well-shaped petals. Check the tips of the petals and make sure they are not bruised or browned. Remember that roses with intact petals are more attractive and will stay fresh longer than with bruised petals.