How To Dye Roses Black

Rose varieties are grown in a range of colors, yet one of the colors unable to be grown is black. Those interested in displaying black roses have one option: dyeing. Best results come from using white roses–they more easily show the change in color. Use a commercial dye and a hydration pretreatment–a chemical that maximizes water and solution uptake–available through a florist. Using anything other than a dye specifically made for this purpose may not produce ideal results.

Step 1

Remove the leaves from any parts of the stem that will be in water.

Step 2

Combine the ingredients for the dye solution. Pour the dye ingredients into a spouted container or cup; this mixture will be poured into the vase. Combine warm water–just enough to fill the vase 3/4 full–with one packet of flower preservative and the floral dye. Follow the dye directions to determine the amount of dye required. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients.

Step 3

Pour the dye solution into the vase until 3/4 full.

Step 4

Fill a small bowl with enough hydration treatment to place 2 inches of solution in the bowl.

Step 5

Place the rose stems under running water. Clip 1 to 2 inches from the ends of the stems with a pair of sharp garden shears at an angle to allow for greater liquid intake.

Step 6

Dip the ends of each stem into the hydration pretreatment solution, covering each stem end thoroughly with the solution.

Step 7

Place the stems of the roses into the dye solution in the vase.