Care and handling of fresh flowers
Temperatures/facts to know:
- Water temperature for fresh flowers: 100 – 110 degrees F.
- Floral preservatives increase vase life: up to 200%
- Water should have a TDS rating of less than 200 ppm (parts per million). TDS = Total dissolved Solids
- Containers with bud opening solutions: keep in warm locations - 68 degrees F.
- Flowers removed from hydrating solution & in a preservative solution: store in cooler at 34 degrees F. – humidity, minimum of 80%.
- Display unit temperatures: 34-36 degrees F. – humidity, 90-95%
- Average daily temperature of floral cooler: 38 degrees F. – no more than 5 degrees plus or minus. IDEAL TEMPERATURE: 34-36 degrees F.
- Exotic flowers: temperatures below 45-50 degrees F. will cause damage
- Ideal pH of water for fresh flowers and greens: between 3.5 - 4.5 measured after the addition of a preservative
- Containers for cut flowers and greens: should be plastic NOT metal - metal reacts with the elements in the water supply, rust, and may react with preservatives
- To clean floral containers use: bleach, hot water and a detergent
- To kill bacteria in containers: 1 ounce of bleach to 5 gallons of water will kill most bacteria in 5-10 minutes
- Gases in water: nitrogen and oxygen – the temperature of the water has a direct influence on the amount of gas in the water.
- Air bubbles: water gases contribute to the formation of air bubbles and can cause blockage & slow water uptake in stems
- Reverse osmosis: involves a system of filters which remove ions and microorganisms from water – water is then sterile
- Deionization: water is pure – better than reverse osmosis - water passes through tanks containing chemicals that remove impurities- produces the purest water
- Soft water: sodium ions in softened water are generally worse for flowers than hard water
- Fluorescent lights: best for inside a cooler due to giving off very little heat.
- Cut flowers stored for four days or more: should have their stems re-cut
- Fruits, vegetables and non-floral items: should not be stored with flowers Reason: they could produce ethylene damage
- Do not let cut materials remain in the sun!
- Before using in a design: refrigerate in cooler for six hours to overnight
Preparing flowers:
- Remove damaged foliage & foliage that will be below the water line.
- Gently strip off lower foliage. (Removing thorns on roses may shorten its life.)
- Re-cut the stems using a very sharp knife or scissors – make a diagonal cut.
- Re-cut stems underwater – less chance of air getting into stem & blocking water uptake.
- Move flowers to a container filled with preservative solution.
Consumer care education:
Care tags attached to every floral product sold are an excellent means of communicating consumer care information.
- Include a packet of floral preservative.
- Advise customers on the selection of a container for loose cut flowers and greens.
- Remind customers to remove the water tubes if the flowers are packaged in them.
- Advise purchasers of loose stem flowers to re-cut about one inch off the stems underwater and remove any foliage that will be below the water.
- Recommend using warm (100 degrees F.) water to mix the preservative.
- Tell customers NOT to place the flowers in direct sunlight, a draft, or any other sources of heat or cold. (Radiators, air conditioners)
- For arrangements, advise customers to pick off dying blooms and foliage.
- For loose stems of flowers, advise them to remove any dying material.
- Advise them to recut flowers UNDERWATER every 4-5 days, change preservative, clean the container.
- Advise them not to display flowers near fruits or vegetables or put in the refrigerator due to the ethylene gas they produce.
- Tell customers to move the flowers to a cool location at night.
- Thoroughly clean vases used for flowers and greens before the next use.