Long stem roses are highly coveted for their elegance and grace, making them a top choice for special occasion bouquets and floral arrangements. But have you ever wondered how florists and growers are able to achieve those lengthy, pristine stems that can reach 18-24 inches long? It’s not as simple as just letting a rose bush grow – producing perfect long stem roses requires careful cultivation methods, precise timing, and ideal growing conditions.
The Science Behind Long Stems
Roses naturally grow on bushy plants with multiple stems branching off the main canes Left unpruned, rose stems typically only reach about 6 inches long before side shoots emerge To get those impressively long, single stems, growers use specific pruning and cultivation techniques to redirect the plant’s energy into producing one extra-long stem versus many small ones.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
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Removal of side shoots through pruning concentrates growth into the main stem, resulting in longer stem length.
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Limiting the rose bush to just one main bud by removing the smaller side buds means that all the nutrients go to producing one large bloom instead of many smaller ones
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Growing conditions like sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil nutrition impact overall plant vigor and stem length.
So in essence, long stem roses achieve their length through meticulous pruning, feeding, and care that focuses the plant’s resources into making those coveted extra-long stems.
Where Long Stem Roses are Grown
The best regions for producing long stem roses have a few key characteristics:
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Locations along the equator or at high elevations where roses receive strong, steady sunlight. This aids in straight stem growth.
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Moderate year-round temperatures between 60-75°F. Too much heat or cold stresses plants.
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Low humidity. Excess moisture encourages diseases.
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Rich volcanic soil that drains well but retains nutrients.
Given those ideal conditions, it’s no surprise that the top producers of long stem roses are located in the mountainous tropics. Colombia and Ecuador in particular have become powerhouse exporters, supplying the majority of long stem roses to places like the United States. The high elevation, equatorial sunlight, and fertile volcanic soils around cities like Bogota and Quito offer the perfect environment for growing incredibly long, flawless rose stems.
Other top producers include Kenya, Ethiopia, and select areas of Europe such as the Netherlands. Growers have also had success with long stem rose production in some temperate locations, especially with greenhouse cultivation that allows precise climate control. But Ecuador remains the undisputed global leader in long stem rose production. In fact, long stem roses are now Ecuador’s fourth largest export behind bananas, shrimp, and cut flowers overall. The industry has become a major economic driver in communities like Cayambe, Pedro Moncayo and Tabacundo.
How to Grow Long Stem Roses
Producing perfect long stem roses requires precision and care at every stage, from variety selection to planting to ongoing maintenance. Follow these tips to try your hand at growing your own extra-long stems:
Choose an Appropriate Rose Variety
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Focus on Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora rose types which naturally produce elongated stems and large blooms.
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Some specific long stem cultivars to look for include ‘Ingrid Bergman’, ‘Sonia’, ‘Akito’, and ‘Tropical Amazon’.
Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
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Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Enrich with compost or manure.
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Give at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Keep ambient temperatures around 70°F during the day and 60°F at night.
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Water thoroughly 2-3 times per week depending on climate.
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Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity around buds.
Follow Proper Pruning and Maintenance
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Prune any side shoots and remove all buds except the main terminal bud.
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Disbud constantly to remove new side buds and shoots.
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Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during growing season.
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Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
Harvest at Peak Length
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Time it right! Pick stems when they reach desired length, usually around 18-24″.
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Cut rose stems on a 45 degree angle just above an outward facing bud.
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Immediately place in water and move to a cool location out of sunlight.
With the right rose variety, growing conditions, and care, you can successfully grow gorgeous long stem roses. It takes diligence and attention to detail, but the end result is worth it. Bring a little elegance from places like Ecuador right into your own garden!
TipsSubmit a TipAll tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
- Roses have sharp, pointy thorns. When you plant or prune your roses, you should always wear gardening gloves to protect your hands. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0 .
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Long stem roses can grow well at home with the right care and attention. It’s best to plant your roses in May in time for the growing season. If you’re growing your roses in a garden bed, you’ll want to plant them in well-drained soil. Or, if you’re planting them in pots, plant them in a mix of soil, compost, and manure. No matter where you plant them, they need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow. You’ll also need to keep their soil damp by watering it at least every 2 days. Use a fertilizer designed for roses every 4 weeks to give them a nutrients boost. For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to trim your roses, read on!.
Rose : Grow your Own Roses from Cuttings at Home
FAQ
How to get roses to grow long stems?
What is the difference between long stem roses and regular roses?
Why are long stem roses special?
How to grow long stem roses in a greenhouse?
Do long stem roses grow well?
Long stem roses grow best in climate zones 5-9. If you don’t live in this climate zone, your roses may not grow to full size. Choose a type of rose known to grow long stems. When it comes to growing long stem roses, Hybrid Tea Roses are most commonly grown. These roses are a popular choice because of their long stems and iconic bud shape.
How big does a long stem rose grow?
These roses produce flowers that are significantly larger than those of other rose varieties. The blooms can measure anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in diameter, depending on the specific type of long stem rose. The large blooms of these roses make them incredibly eye-catching and visually appealing.
How to prune Roses for long stem growing?
When it comes to pruning roses for long stem growing, the first step is to remove all of the plant’s side buds and leave only the main bud at the end of the stem. By doing this, the plant can channel its available nutrients to the single remaining bud.
What type of roses grow long stems?
Choose a type of rose known to grow long stems. When it comes to growing long stem roses, Hybrid Tea Roses are most commonly grown. These roses are a popular choice because of their long stems and iconic bud shape. They come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, green, white, and yellow.
