How Long Stem Roses are Grown for the Flower Industry

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:

• Removal of side shoots through pruning concentrates growth into the main stem, resulting in longer stem length.

• 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

• 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:

• Locations along the equator or at high elevations where roses receive strong, steady sunlight. This aids in straight stem growth.

• Moderate year-round temperatures between 60-75°F. Too much heat or cold stresses plants.

• Low humidity. Excess moisture encourages diseases.

• 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

• Focus on Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora rose types which naturally produce elongated stems and large blooms.

• Some specific long stem cultivars to look for include ‘Ingrid Bergman’, ‘Sonia’, ‘Akito’, and ‘Tropical Amazon’.

Provide Optimal Growing Conditions

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Enrich with compost or manure.

• Give at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Keep ambient temperatures around 70°F during the day and 60°F at night.

• Water thoroughly 2-3 times per week depending on climate.

• Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity around buds.

Follow Proper Pruning and Maintenance

• Prune any side shoots and remove all buds except the main terminal bud.

• Disbud constantly to remove new side buds and shoots.

• Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during growing season.

• Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.

Harvest at Peak Length

• Time it right! Pick stems when they reach desired length, usually around 18-24″.

• Cut rose stems on a 45 degree angle just above an outward facing bud.

• 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!