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.
Remove the leaves from any parts of the stem that will be in water.
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.
- Rose varieties are grown in a range of colors, yet one of the colors unable to be grown is black.
- Combine warm water--just enough to fill the vase 3/4 full--with one packet of flower preservative and the floral dye.
Pour the dye solution into the vase until 3/4 full.
Fill a small bowl with enough hydration treatment to place 2 inches of solution in the bowl.
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.
Dip the ends of each stem into the hydration pretreatment solution, covering each stem end thoroughly with the solution.
Place the stems of the roses into the dye solution in the vase.
Tip
Homemade flower preservative can be made by combining lemon-lime soda with three parts water.
Watch the progression as the roses start changing color--they should be completely black within 24 hours.
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Tips
- Homemade flower preservative can be made by combining lemon-lime soda with three parts water.
- Watch the progression as the roses start changing color--they should be completely black within 24 hours.
Writer Bio
Sommer Leigh has produced home, garden, family and health content since 1997 for such nationally known publications as "Better Homes and Gardens," "Ladies' Home Journal," "Midwest Living," "Healthy Kids" and "American Baby." Leigh also owns a Web-consulting business and writes for several Internet publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in information technology and Web management from the University of Phoenix.
