Flower Care & Handling by Gay Smith of Chrysal

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Watching leaves swirling around the yard in colorful patterns make me realize how refreshing it is that, like the sunrise and sunset, seasonal changes happen without asking our permission. As Keep in mind that shorter, dark days, blustery rain storms and cooling temperatures do affect our product vigor. Even though more than 80% of flowers consumed in the USA are grown in equatorial locations having less pronounced seasonal changes, winter flowers can be a bit less vigorous than blooms available in summer months. Close attention to best practices and correct solution use keep stems standing tall regardless of the storm outside. Condensation is a flower’s enemyRoses, alstroe, chrysanths and carnations are long distance travelers arriving thirsty, in need of a good drink (of flower food). Stress triggers jet-lag. Stress factors include dehydration (water stress) and temperature stress, too (fluctuations through transit). Respecting the cold chain is super-important in reducing transit stress. Cold temperatures slow the metabolism rate (e.g. aging) process. Respecting the cold chain also helps check disease problems by reducing condensation that occurs when temps fluctuate. Condensation (even a micro layer of moisture on petals) is sufficient for Botrytis spores to start germinating (disease stress). Store flowers at temperatures between 34-38F. Tropical blooms and foliages are the exception--they don’t like cold feet. Think Maui!! No colder than 50F. Mahalo!Disease prevention:Prep clean buckets with Chrysal Professional #2 solution a day ahead and pre-chill it in cooler. Cold?Yep, research proves that cold solutions travel faster through stems than warm. Cold solutions reduce condensation inside sleeves and provide an unfavorable environment for bacteria.Do it right—and allow enough time…Measure when mixing solutions—don’t worry too much about over-dosing.It’s under-dosing that kills forward motion. Why? If the ratio of clarifiers, acidifiers and sugars is not in correct proportion when you mix flower solutions, the solution quickly becomes polluted--big waste of water, labor hours and money. Also, allow time for blooms to drink-- at least 2 hours before using stems in design work. In the winter, it is especially important to ensure cells are fully filled with nourishing flower food. Leave rose sleeves/wraps in place at least the first 2 hours and let buckets stay outside cooler for 15-20 minutes to allow condensation to evaporate from petals before moving into stock. Once in the cooler, or on floor display, place Botrytis-sensitive blooms in low-drip areas. As much as possible, keep blooms DRY!Botrytis spores are there, just waiting for “free” water to start germinating. When using a finishing spray, e.g. Chrysal Glory or Hawaiian Floral Mist, let it dry completely before moving blooms into the cooler.Cool, but not clean…All the cool autumn inserts (wheat, cat tails, pods, sticks, Chinese lanterns, millet…) look terrific, but increase the pollution level of the water ten fold. The best defense is to dip those “non-floral” inserts into a solution of Pro Gerbera water or Chrysal Easy Dip before inserting into design. This action sanitizes stems and “washes off” bacteria and dust that muck up flower solutions. Start with fresh solution daily when using Pro Gerbera or Easy Dip as a stem sanitizer. Measure according to directions.Sharp cutsIt sounds so obvious it seems stupid to mention, but good practices include the use of sharp and clean tools. A butcher or fish monger won’t work with dull knives, why do florists? Dull tools result in ragged stems that bleed cells and organic juices into the solution. Bacteria explode in this juice bar. Another so-obvious-it-seems-stupid recommendation is to make sure EVERY stem gets a fresh cut—remove at least an inch or two. Research shows that the # 1 reason flowers fail is a lack of a fresh cut before going into solution. Callous stem ends do not suck up solution efficiently.Working clean mattersWorking clean is your best defense in reducing waste. Fill a spray bottle with 1 capful Chrysal Cleaner and water for each work station. Spray counters, choppers, tools 2-3 x a day. Empty trash cans frequently and ALWAYS at end of day. Never pour old solutions together when consolidating displays. Always start fresh. Finally, as we move toward Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful we offer beautiful products that bring joy into people’s lives.