Why The Cut Stage Matters
You may have already come across this message through the Interplant campaign on social media towards the end of 2025, but we wanted to take the time to explain things a little bit more.
If you’ve opened your order, looked at the spray roses, and thought, “These are too open, they’ll never last,”you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common reactions in flower shops. But here’s the twist: that first impression can be misleading. This is a myth we’re setting out to bust using knowledge and a lot of storytelling. With spray roses, how open they are on arrival often has everything to do with when they were cut on the farm, and that moment plays a crucial role in how long they’ll last in the vase.
But What Exactly Is A Cut Stage?
The cut stage simply refers to how open a rose is when it’s harvested on the farm. With single-stem roses, this is usually straightforward. Spray roses, however, like to keep things interesting. Each stem carries multiple buds, all opening at their own pace. Some are ready to shine, while others still need a bit of encouragement. This makes choosing the right time to harvest a careful balancing act. Cut too early, and the buds may never fully open. Cut too late, and the flowers can run out of energy before you’ve even finished designing with them.
The “Tighter Is Better” Myth
For a long time, the rule seemed simple: the tighter the bud, the better the rose. Spray roses were often harvested as close as possible to survive transport. But research by Interplant Roses tells a different story. When spray roses are cut too tightly, known as Cut Stage 2, they often lack the stored sugars needed to fully open. The result is something many florists recognise all too well: small blooms, limited movement, and Spray Roses that never quite show what they’re capable of.
Interplant Roses tested spray roses harvested at different cut stages and compared their performance under the same conditions, and the outcome was clear. Spray roses harvested at Cut Stage 3 consistently performed better. They showed up to 30 per cent longer vase life, more even and reliable opening, and far fewer drooping necks. In other words, these spray roses arrived with enough energy to put on a proper show.
What This Means For Florists And Designers
For florists and floral designers, the right cut stage means fewer surprises and more happy moments. You’ll see more open blooms per stem, fuller and more expressive designs, and better confidence when selling spray roses. Most importantly, your clients get to enjoy their flowers for longer. Spray roses cut at the right stage aren’t risky; they’re reliable. The only thing we need from you is trust, and don’t panic when they arrive already open.
Everyone Plays A Part
We need to work together across the entire chain, from the farm to the florist, to educate and show that there’s no need to worry about a slightly more open spray rose. In fact, it can be the very reason it lasts longer. According to Interplant, vase life is never decided by a single step. It’s the result of the whole journey working in harmony, from breeding and testing to growing, harvesting, selling, designing, and finally enjoying the flowers at home.
So next time you open a box of spray roses and notice they look a little more open than expected, worry not. It’s entirely intentional, and it may be exactly why they last longer.
