steps to long lasting flowers. to get the longest life possible out of the flower customers are...
TRANSCRIPT
WHY YOU WANT LONG LASTING FLOWERSto get the longest life possible out of the flowercustomers are pleased when they buy quality flowerspromising the return of future customers
THE CHAIN OF LIFE OF FLOWERS-a long chain of handlers involved in moving the floral product from the greenhouse/field to the design table
BENEFITS OF THE “CHAIN OF LIFE” OF FLOWERS Developed by the society of American
florists. Helps growers, wholesalers, and
retailers lengthen the life of flowers. Provide information on proper care and
handling throughout the marketing chain.
WHOLESALERreceives flowers from brokers and growers; conditions flowers and sells to retail florists
RETAILERFlorist-receives flowers from wholesalers and local growers; conditions flowers and sells and delivers flowers to consumers
DETERIORATION When a flower is removed from its
mother plant its source of nutrients are cut off and deterioration begins.
It is up to the florist to supply the flowers needs.
Even though a flower has been removed from the parent plant, it continues living (photosynthesizing).
With special care, fresh flowers can be enjoyed for a long time.
WHAT CAUSES DETERIORATION IN FLOWERS.
low water absorption most flower stems are at least
partially blocked when they arrive at the retail florist
Bacteria and fungi Senescence: flower death
WHAT CAUSES BLOCKAGE IN FLOWERS? cutting stems with dull tools bacteria and minerals in the
water clog the stem air can enter the stems at the
time of cutting , if not put directly in water
WHAT IS THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY FLOWERS LOSE WATER? Transpiration
the loss of water vapor by plant parts. Most transpiration occurs through stomata (pores on their leaves)
HOW DO FLOWERS LOSE FOOD? flowers continue to photosynthesize
after they are cut must be given the proper light and a
source of sugar
WHAT CAUSES BOTRYTIS? do not allow flowers to get wet
before putting them in the cooler allow wet flowers to dry before
putting in the cooler
WHAT IS ETHYLENE GAS?WHAT DOES IT DO TO FLOWERS? About ethylene: colorless, odorless gas
that hastens senescence of flowers. Called the aging hormone, it is often emitted by fruit, foliage, aging flowers, and incomplete combustion of oil and gas in heaters.
Naturally occurring gas (plant hormone) in flowers that speed maturity
SYMPTOMS OF ETHYLENE GAS loss of foliage upward cupping of flowers – known as
sleepiness in carnations premature death flower and petal drop yellowing of foliage
FLOWERS ARE 90% WATER!
WATER QUALITY
Hydration, process where flowers draw water and nutrients up their stems to the leaves and flowers through capillaries
WHAT IS PH? acidity and alkalinity level
(gases) -the acidic level in the water ph refers to the concentration of
hydrogen ions in the solution. -water varies by regions
WHAT THE PH DOES FOR FLOWERS? Ph of 3.2-4.5 maximizes hydration - helps flowers last as long as
possible
SEVEN STEPS IN CONDITIONING FLOWERS: clean buckets and cooler fill buckets with water add preservatives unpack flowers remove lower foliage on stems re-cut stems put directly in water
SANITIZE Clean, disinfect and deodorize work
surfaces, cutting tools and buckets to help maximize flower quality and vase life.
WATER QUALITY Is very important to the proper care and
longevity of fresh flowers and greens. Good quality water is also important in
order for any preservative to work properly
WHY USE PRESERVATIVES Photosynthesis, the process that makes
food and energy for a plant, is interrupted for a flower when it is cut from the plant.
The flower continues to need energy to develop.
Preservatives are the most common method of putting nutrients back into the flower
UNPACK FLOWERS Many flowers can be stored in boxes for
a week, without having the stems re-cut.
Remove from their boxes and process them.
Use a hydrating solution, the solutions will restore water to the flowers very quickly.
REMOVE FOLIAGE Lower foliage should be gently stripped
off. -leaving the foliage on the stems in the
water causes bacteria to grow. Remove thorns on roses, this makes
them look more pleasing.
RE-CUT STEMS Once foliage has been removed re-cut
the stems with a sharp knife or shears at a sharp angle, 45 degree.
Flowers can be cut under watered if the equipment is sanitized frequently.
PUT DIRECTLY IN WATER Once flowers have been cut move them
as quickly as possible to a container filled with preservative solution.
- the less air that is let back into the flower stem will give it the longest life possible.
ROTATE STOCK Keep flowers as fresh as possible by
rotating. First-in, first-out rule: New flowers in
front (showy display) and old flowers in back (use first, to go out the door).
FRESH CUT FLOWER COOLER What degree is the ideal storage
temperature for a fresh cut flower cooler?
36-38 degree Fahrenheit Tropical flowers should be stored @ 55-
60 degrees Ideal humidity for a floral cooler is 80 %
FLORAL PRESERVATIVES Why do we use floral preservative food
for flowers? To prolong the life of the flowers so they
can last as long as possible
BIOCIDES = BLEACH inhibits the growth of microorganisms Kills bacteria and other organisms,
keeping the water in the containers fresher for a longer period of time.
DAILY MAINTENANCE Flowers that are stored or displayed
should be checked daily for deterioration.
The cooler where the flowers are stored should be kept clean.
Remove any old stock, aging product produces ethylene and can be damaging to new product.
Floral display should be pleasing to the customers