Ethylene Ethylene is the number one enemy for flowers, it is an odourless and colourless hormone given off by plants which immediately increases the decay of flowers and plants it comes into contact with. It is surprisingly powerful since even the smallest amount can cause your flowers to become discoloured and brown, drop flowers and leaves and die. Remove all ethylene producing
plants from the room that flowers are stored in. Fruit and vegetables are the biggest culprits so make sure you don’t keep that banana or apple you brought for lunch in the flower cooler or near the display! Flowers themselves also give
off ethylene gas; especially when they are dead or dying, so always remove old stock immediately. Again, temperature is key since flowers become much less sensitive to ethylene in low temperatures: they can’t be warm but you can wrap up! Orchids and roses are particularly sensitive so be extra vigilant with these.
Light and
Temperature Flowers are like humans. Open and active in the day and when it’s warm, shut when it’s dark and cold so to keep them in peak condition avoid sun, heaters and drafts.
If possible, place flowers in
a cooler or cool area overnight before putting them on display so they have plenty of time to hydrate, take up their food and get ready to be sold. It is not time wasted but a key step to making sure flowers last. However tropical flowers like Anthuriums and orchids should be kept warm.
Finally... know
your numbers Bluntly, one number does not fit all. Both the leading flower food suppliers, Chrysal and Floralife have a number system (Chysal: 1/2/3, Floralife: 100/200/300) to indicate which food should be used when and where. Not to sell more but because each formula contains a different mix to make sure the flower does the right thing in the right place. 1/100: Hydration solution: For
growers and used after flowers have been cut and before shipping. 2/200: Storage solution: For
florist shops to keep flowers in a perfect holding pattern whilst they are waiting to be sold. 3/300: For consumers only
as it encourages opening and maintains flowers for the maximum amount of time. Ideally you should give two sachets per delivery as the average vase holds more than one litre of water and underfeeding is as bad as overfeeding and if possible buy the clear versions as non-clear can damage vases.
NEVER, EVER use 3/300 in your shop display buckets… it will over-feed your flowers and they will die sooner. The only time level 3/300 should be used in-store is when soaking foam, making up vase displays for onward delivery or in aquapack designs that may not be changed. Conversely if you use level
2/200 for consumer sales the flowers won’t receive the full flower load they need, won’t open and blossom as they should and will result in a disappointed customer. Always read the instructions -
going below 80% or above 150% of the recommended dosage of Level 2/200 in the shop can cause serious problems such as growth of bacteria, lack of flower development, bad smells and discolouration. Invest in a special flower food dispenser or use the purpose-made, pre-measured in- shop level 2/200 sachets.
Want to know
more? Both Chrysal and Floralife have oodles of information on their websites and have reps on the road that can come and give you one to one advice. Contact them and they’ll be happy to help:
chrysal.com and
floralife.com
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions then give Chrissie a call on 020 8939 6481 or email
chrissie@purplespotted.com
F&wb Spring 2013 89
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