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 Extensive postharvest research by Dr. Terril Nell of the University of
Florida at Gainesville and Dr. Michael Reid of the University of California at
Davis have identified the proper care-and-handling guidelines for fresh cut
flowers. They found that the critical conditions for improving quality,
freshness and vase life are the 3-Cs: Cooling, Cleanliness, and Care. These
"new" scientific studies were sponsored in part by the American Floral
Endowment.
Drs. Nell and Reid have spent four years analyzing and accumulating this
critical information with support from the American Floral Endowment and other
trade associations. More than 500 temperature and storage shipping trials were
conducted. They included tests between the University of California and the
University of Florida using commercial floral transport trucks. Over 15,000
flowers were tested and documented, and more than 100,000 work hours were
invested in the study. Flowers used in every aspect of the research were exposed
to the same shipping practices used by the industry. Interior evaluation rooms
were developed to simulate wholesale coolers, retail displays. and consumer home
environments.
To the consumer, flower longevity reflects quality. Thus, long-lasting
cut flowers have added value and promote repeat sales. Research has
focused on three critical areas for growers to utilize and improve handling
practices.
- Cooling - The optimum storage temperature is the most important key to
keeping flowers fresh from growers to consumers. Most fresh cut flowers must be
stored at 33 - 35 F from the time they're cut to the time they’re placed into
a vase on a consumer’s table or into an arrangement by a retail florist.
Exceptions are tropical flowers, such as anthuriums, proteas, ginger, orchids,
and bird-of-paradise, all of which should be stored at 50-55° F.
- Cleanliness - Fresh cut flowers may have microbes that could multiply
in the storage water which may plug cut stems and block water uptake. Growers
must use sterile buckets and cutting tools, and fresh flower food solutions
containing biocides. These practices can control the growth of stem-plugging
microorganisms.
- Care - Cut flower life is affected by the distribution chain,
portions of which may be sources of ethylene. Certain fruits and vegetables,
combustible engines and decay plant materials can all produce ethylene. Are
flowers kept at the proper temperature? Are flowers hydrated before packing? Is
there flower food in the storage buckets? Is the flower food mixed according to
manufacturer’s directions? Are buckets sanitized? These arc the key elements
for success!
Wholesalers are a critical link to successful marketing of fresh cut
flowers! Follow these steps to increase postharvest life of fresh cut
flowers:
- Keep cut flowers at proper storage temperature. Maintain most
flowers at 33 to 35° F Store tropical flowers such as anthurium.
protea, ginger, orchids, and bird-of-paradise, at 50 to 55° F. On
arrival, check the temperature in boxes by plunging a needle
thermometer probe through the side of the box and behind the flower
heads.
When flowers must be recut, remove 1 to 2 inches of stem. It
is not necessary to recut them under water. This removes es the section
of stem in which microorganisms may have multiplied and begun to plug
the stem's water-transporting cells. Place freshly cut stems into clean
buckets filled with properly prepared flower food. Mix flower food
according to manufacturer’s instructions. Fresh flower foods contain a
biocide that inhibits microbial growth and also acidifies the water so
stems can take it up more easily. Final water pH in the solution should
be 3.5 to 4.0.
- Use clean, sanitized containers. Clean all buckets and storage
containers with a brush and antimicrobial solution. Rinse cleaned
containers with a commercial cleaning solution and allow them to
drain. White buckets are recommended, since it’s easier to see dirt
in them. Always fill buckets with a properly mixed flower food.
- Remove non-salable flowers from the cooler daily. Left in coolers,
decaying flowers can release ethylene, which can cause flowers to
shatter, leaves to curl or floral buds to fail to open.
Ethylene-sensitive flowers such as anemones, carnations, larkspur,
gypsophila and sweetpeas should have been treated by the growers with
an anti-ethylene compound.
- To assist in maintaining cut flower life, some flowers are placed in
special water holding containers and then shipped in controlled
temperature trucks.
- Ship flowers to retailers in a flower food
containing a biocide at 33-35° F If flowers are shipped dry, place
ice near flower heads.
Reference:
Nell T.A. and Reid, \I S. 2000. Flower & Plant Care.
The 21st Century Approach. Society of American Florists, Alexandria, VA.
For information to purchase this book call 1-800-336-4743 or
visit www.safnow.org.
Research has proven that attention to care and handling practices increases
the postharvest life of cut flowers!
The solutions are simple and the benefits are obvious — longer-lasting
flowers that promote repeat purchases by consumers.
The American Floral Endowment is the only industry-wide, industry-based
organization totally committed to funding research and educational programs
benefiting the entire floral industry. Anyone interested in providing
contributions for these programs should send a check payable to the American
Floral Endowment.
The Endowment is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; all contributions are
tax deductible as allowed by law.
American Floral Endowment
1601 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 618-692-0045
Fax: 618-692-4045
Email: afe@endowment.org
Website: www.endowment.org
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