UpScale & Posh Blog

Question & Answers (Part 1)

How long do flower arrangements generally live?

According to the Society of American Florist most flower arrangements last 4-7 days or longer.  However, much depends on the flowers used and the care they receive.

How does water get up the stem against gravity?

The flower stem is filled with cells that work like a bundle of soda straws. As long as the bottoms of the straws are submerged, you can draw water up through them.  But pull the straws out of the glass while sucking on them and all you get is air.  Flowers do the same thing.

Do Flowers always require water?

Their demand for water is continuous, even when the flower is cut away from the mother plant. The difference is that cells in the stem have tiny screens that allow water to pass, but not air. So, when the flower stem is cut, a small air bubble forms at the end of the stem and is trapped. This acts like a barrier and prevents more water from getting up the stem even if you replace the stem in water.

When cut flowers do not take up water, what causes can it usually be traced to?

• Air Embolisms
• Poor Quality Water
• Bacterial Plugging
• Physiological Plugging

 

Why are flower preservatives and plant food Important in flower care?

When a flower is cut from the mother plant, it is separated from its life support system just like an astronaut without a temporary life support system – it’s in trouble. Thus, nearly all commercial floral preservatives contain the basic components of the life support system for the cut flower which are: biocide, acidifier & sugar.

What are Biocides?

• They are chemicals that kill the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that feed on the sap that seeps from the cut flower stem.

What is the most important part of a Floral Preservative?

• Microorganism Growth Inhibitor

What can be found everywhere and ready to enter the cut surface of the stem of the cut flower and multiply?

• Bacteria and Fungi

What happens prior to actual decay symptoms of the Flower?
Cells of the water-transporting tissues become blocked with Microorganisms, inhibiting water uptake.

What other steps can be taken to aid the floral preservative in slowing down microorganisms?
First Step:
A Clean Vase or Container cleaned with soap and Clorox.

Second Step:
Remove all leaves below the water surface, very important.

What are the major factors in keeping cut flowers fresh?

• Water and water uptake are major factors in keeping cut flowers fresh.
• It’s an amazing sequence of events: You cut a rose stem and place it in a vase of water.
• Bacteria start to grow, and within 3 hours, there are 30 million bacteria’s in the vase!
• These bacteria plug the tiny straw-tubes that conduct water to the flower.

How can you tell if a flower has not been processed properly?

• Very simply if buds fail to open, necks weaken, stems bend, and leaves wilt then it is evident that the flower has not been processed the correct way.

What is Acid? (7-up or Lemon Juice)

• An acidifier makes the pH of the water more near the acid pH of the cell sap.
• The acidifier helps water move up the stem of the flower more easily.
• Hard water, like tap water, contains minerals which make it alkaline.
• Alkaline water does not move readily through cut flower stems and can substantially reduce vase life.
• Most water supplies are alkaline and can reduce the life of cut flowers.
• One can overcome this problem by acidifying the water.
• The acidifier also stabilizes the pigment and the color of the flower.
• This is why red roses turn “blue” when placed in water without a preservative or acidifier.

How does Sugar play a role?

• It acts as a flower food (This is why we put Sugar in our formula)

What is the importance of Food for Flowers?

• A cut flower has been removed from a major source of food—the leaves on the plant to which it was attached.
• Although the leaves on the flowering stem make food, once indoors they are in a reduced light situation and this limits available carbohydrates.

 

• Quality and vase life of many flowers can be further improved by supplying more food – sugar – after harvest.
• Sugar is routinely used to open bud-cut flowers before distribution and is included in most flower preservatives.

 

What are good food + acid combinations?

• Add one part lemon-lime soda (not diet) to 3 parts water.
• Then to each quart of this solution, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach.
• Thereafter, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach after each 4 days of use.
• Add 2 ounces Listerine mouthwash per gallon of water. Listerine contains sucrose (food) and a bactericide. Listerine is acidic and is said help water move up the cut stem.

Does using flower food increase the lifespan of cut flowers?

• Yes, the average flower vase life is increased by 43% when flower food is used.

Are there different processing treatments for different flowers?

• Yes, some flowers may require treatments different from those outlined below,
• but for most cut flowers and foliage, the following procedures will ensure the best possible quality
• Flower food solutions were developed to help retailers and consumers increase the vase life and opening of their flowers.
• These products contain all the essential ingredients of hydration solutions with the addition of sugar.
• The presence of sugar, however, increases microbial growth in solutions, even if the solution contains a biocide.
• Accordingly, it is critical that flowers are placed into clean, sanitized containers containing freshly made flower food solutions.
• Most flower food manufacturers have two products with sugar: a holding solution (or low-dose flower food) and a full-dose flower food for retailers and consumers.

Why is it critical to provide flower food packets to consumers?

• Vase life can double, and quality will be maintained longer when flower foods are used by consumers (see chart below).

What is Ethylene gas?

• Ethylene gas is a naturally-occurring plant growth regulator produced in high concentration by ripening fruits, vehicle exhausts, and cigarette smoke.

Can Ethylene Gas harm the Flowers?

• Yes, certain flower crops, especially Carnations, die rapidly if they are exposed to 1 minute concentrations of Ethylene Gas.

How can Ethylene Gas effects be prevented?

• NEVER SMOKE AROUND FLOWERS-EVEN IN DELIVERY VAN
• Do not exposes flowers to fruit
• Holding the flowers low temperatures

What are Specialized Care Solutions?

• Anti-leaf-yellowing products. Lilies and Alstroemeria are prone to developing premature leaf yellowing.
• Specialized anti-leaf-yellowing products are now available from several companies for use by growers, wholesalers and bouquet-makers.
• Packets of this product also are available for consumer use.
• The products are a mixture of naturally occurring plant hormones (or plant growth regulators—PRGs) that effectively eliminate leaf yellowing in lilies and Alstroemeria.
• Every retail buyer should make sure that his or her growers, wholesalers and bouquet-makers use these products.

What are Anti-microbial Products?

• Some flowers such as Gerberas have a reputation for contaminating hydration and vase solutions.
• Sanitizing agents such as quaternary ammonia and chlorine have long been recognized as effective in reducing the build-up of microbes in solutions.
• We have shown that a number of chlorine products, other than bleach, can reduce the accumulation of microbes in Gerbera solutions.
• For example, slow-release chlorine products are now available and are used by growers to successfully extend Gerbera vase life.

What are Bulb Foods?

• These products are intended for the final arrangements or bouquets containing cut bulb flowers.
• They are specially formulated for bulbs to extend flower life and maintain quality of all cut bulb flowers and are intended to be used by retailers and consumers.

What has been determined by extensive post harvest studies, the researchers stressed these vital points?

• The Three C’s
• Temperature must be properly managed (Cooling) throughout every stage in the delivery process from grower to consumer,
• Wholesalers and retailers must improve sanitation methods (Cleanliness) involving water and buckets, and
• The product cannot be mishandled (Care) at any point in the delivery process.

Which Flowers are Bulb Flowers?

• Amaryllis, Anemone, Calla Lily, Crocuses, Daffodils, Daisies, Dahlias, Daylilies, Freesia, Fritillaries, Gladiolus, Glory of the Snow, Hyacinth, Irises, Narcissus, Paperwhite, Ranunculus, Snowdrops, Tulips,   Winter Aconite.

 

What is the Conclusive Evidence that Flower care Solutions work?

• Flower care solutions are effective when mixed and used properly.
• They also are cost effective measures to ensure against premature loss of vase life and quality.
• Science has proven consistent increases in flower life, reductions in bent neck of roses, maintenance of leaf color, and prevention of leaf and flower drop with flower care products.
• Adopt an integrated approach whereby each type of solution is used at the right time, in the right sequence, for the right flower and for control of a specific problem.
• Always follow product label directions, and, if in doubt, seek advice from the manufacturer.
• Lastly, provide flower food to the consumer—don’t ignore this crucial step; future sales and repeat customers will depend on it.

What is the ideal Humidity for cut flowers?

• Above 95%.
• Apply a fine mist OF WATER with a squirt bottle to flowers.
• USE A HUMIDIFIER

What else cut the life short for Cut Flowers?

BLOWING AIR (FANS IN THE CEILING AND ON AIR CONDITIONERS) HEATED SURFACES

• OPEN LIGHTS.

What is the next most important step in storing flowers in the cooler?

• Storing Flowers at Proper Temperatures.

Why is it important to keep Flowers at low Temperatures?

• Because these temperatures aids in longevity by lowering the flower’s temperature
• Keeping flowers at low temperatures helps to slow plant tissue respiration and limits the depletion of food reserves in leaves and petals, which in turn slows the aging process.
• slowing transpiration (water loss)
• Other physiological activity.
• Exposing flowers to temperatures outside this optimal range reduces vase life dramatically.

 

What are the proper Cooling Conditions for most Flowers?

• Cooler Room:  Ideal Temperature is (34 – 36 F  or   0.5 to 2 C ) humidity, 90-95%

 

How often should the temperature in the Cooler be checked?

• Check first thing in the morning to determine overnight temperature.
• Monitor the floral refrigerator for large temperature fluctuations.
• A high/low thermometer, which records high and low temperatures over time, is recommended.

 

How can the Life of a Flower be extended?

• The life of most flowers can be lengthened significantly if, before arranging, they are conditioned in a refrigerator or cooler with a temperature of 34-38 degrees for six or more hours.

What is the proper temperature for storing Tropical Flowers?

• 60-65 Degrees

What Tropical Flowers are sensitive to Cold Temps?

• Anthurium
• Birds of Paradise
• Ginger
• Heliconia
• Orchids
• Protea
• Strelitzia
• Tropical orchids

FLOWER PREPARATION – General Information

Should flower processing functions be performed by a select few?

• Yes, It is recommended that only certain employees be trained in flower/plant care and processing techniques and that these trained employees are the only ones to perform processing functions.

Why are flowers cut underwater?

• Cuts made under-water assures no air enters the stem.
• Air causes air plugs or embolisms inside stems, this disrupting the flow of nutrients inside cut flowers.

 

How much of the flower stem do I cut off?

• One Inch (     cm)
• That opens up the surface area and allows more water to be drawn up the stem.

 

If the flower is removed from the water just for a several seconds do I have to waste my time to re-cut?

• YES, IMPORTANT: If cut flower that has been out of water more than a minute it should have a small portion of the lower stem cut off so that water will move up freely when it is returned to water.

How much of the flower stem do I have to cut off?

• 1 Inch – Important: Take an inch which is about all it should take to eliminate air blockages in the flower stem.
• That opens up the surface area and allows more water to be drawn up the stem.

Why do professionals cut flowers diagonally (45 degree angle)?

• Cutting diagonally keeps the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block their access to water.
• Since flowers use a system of one-way ‘veins’ to soak up the necessary water, air can become trapped at the base of the stem.

 

Step 1

“PROCESSING IN” PROCEDURES FOR FLOWERS

 

Why is it so important how one handles the flowers?

• Bruising and other mechanical damage not only detract from the appearance of the product but are good avenues of entrance for decay organisms.
• The most important key to quality maintenance of cut flowers is careful handling
• Do not THROW OR HANDLE ROUGHLY

 

Which Cut Flowers are classified as Sensitive Flowers?

Some of the showier, more fragrant flowers are the same ones that wilt more quickly or bruise with the slightest touch.

• Amaryllis
• Callas
• Gardenias
• Lily of the Valley
• Orchids
• Stephanotis,

 

What procedure is best for Care and Handling of Sensitive Flowers?

• Many of these SENSITIVE FLOWERS lose moisture quickly from the petals and leaves.
• Cut blossoms can often be re-hydrated by floating them or submerging them in water.
• Different methods of working with these temperamental varieties can prevent bruising, discoloration, and early wilting.
• Flowers appreciate being sprayed with water often. Also, keep the water level in the container at a consistently high level to keep flowers fresh longer
• IMPORTANT: Handle All Flowers with Tender Loving Care!

Step 2

PREPARING WATER FOR CUTTING OF FLOWERS

How do I prepare a commercial underwater Cutter?

• In the cutter pan put 1 Tablespoons of Bleach.
  The Bleach will kill the bacteria in the water.
  This process DOES NOT require lemon or sugar.

 

Step 3

PREPARING WATER FOR STORAGE OF FLOWERS

What are the measurements for storage formula?

• 3 Bottles of 7-UP
• Equal amounts of water that is 110 degrees (unless tropical flowers).
• 5 tablespoons of Clorox
• Make small amounts so we can be assured it is warm water which allows the flowers to absorb more water at a faster rate.

Or

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of bleach in a quart of warm water
• Add another 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to the vase every 4 days.

 

Why should the water be 110 Degrees?

• It is absolutely necessary we use warm water.  Warm water allows the flowers to absorb more water at a faster rate.

 

What should be done as soon as flowers are cut?

• When flowers are first cut, plunging them into deep, cool water up to their necks lowers the temperature of the stems and petals, crisps the flowers and slows dehydration and decay.

What flowers benefit more with a higher level of sugar in their 7-Up Formula?

• Baby’s-Breath,
• Gladiolus,
• Lisianthus,
• Tuberose,
• Bird-of-Paradise,
• Brodiaea
• When processing these flowers mix the formula exactly as above, then at the end add to the 7-up  mixture extra 1/2 cup sugar.

How can the Vase Life of Flowers be increased?

• When flowers are first cut, plunging them into deep, cool water up to their necks lowers the temperature of the stems and petals, crisps the flowers and slows dehydration and decay. The life of most flowers can be lengthened significantly if, before arranging, they are conditioned in a refrigerator or cooler with a temperature of 38-40 degrees for six or more hours.

STEP 4

REMOVE WRAPPING FROM FLOWERS

What is De-bunching?

“De-bunch” means removing the rubber band or twist-tie at the base of the stems.

The PLASTIC SLEEVE should be left on for TULIPS to confine their growth.

PLASTIC SLEEVE should be left on ROSES for 12 HOURS ONLY to keep them upright during HYDRATION for all other Flowers, removed PLASTIC SLEEVE to prevent botrytis mold from developing on the cut flowers.

STEP 5

LEAVES OR FOLIAGE REMOVAL

How many leaves do I remove from the Flowers?

• Remove all Leaves and Foliage that will fall below the water solution line.

 

How much of the leaves should be removed on most cut flowers?

• 20-25%

 

How much of the leaves should be removed from Roses?

• Roses generally last longer when fewer leaves are removed
• If high temperatures, dirty solutions, and/or other stressful conditions will likely exist resulting in inadequate solution uptake, more leaf removal is better.
• Translation: more leaves removed the poorer the post harvest handling.

 

Should the Thorns be removed from Roses?

Basically, it is not good for the life of the rose.  When the thorns are removed from cut roses, the life expectancy and beauty of the rose has been decreased. A thorn cannot be considered just a decorative aspect of the rose. The thorn is an important part of the stem due to its role in helping the rose to take in water. If thorns must be removed it should be done properly in order not to damage the stem.  If the stem is damaged then the rose will not be healthy and the rose could possibly have a shorter lifespan as a result.  If removing thorns it is recommended to leave some thorns on the stem during the thorn removal process. If roses are to be put in a flower vase then leave the thorns that will be underwater intact.

Why can’t I remove Thorns from Roses?

• It will leave an opening in the stem and therefore, it exposes its capillaries to air.
• Do not remove thorns from roses as it tends to shorten their life.

 

STEP 6

CUTTING OF FLOWERS

 

Why do flowers have to be re-cut when bringing from wholesaler?

• Re-cutting removes previous stem blockages

 

Why do professionals cut flowers underwater?

• Underwater cutting prevents further blockage from air bubbles

 

What is the proper way to cut a flower?

• Cut stems under water with commercial underwater cutter at least one inch from the stem end.

 

How should the end of the flower be cut?

• Always make a cut on a slant, as it exposes more stem surface area.

How Do I Transfer Cut Flowers To Glass Vase?

• Use the flower processing Solution.
• Make sure your Water Temp is 110 degrees.
• Carefully transfer your flowers into their vase without shaking the water off the cut ends.
• Make sure water covers the leaf removal area.

 

Can the storage container be completely full of flowers?

–         NO, this practice is totally unacceptable.  Do not put too many flowers in one container.

–         Reason: Overcrowding causes bruising and bruising means faster dying, and faster dying means more shrinkage and loss of money.

Do all flowers go into warm water?

No, Bulb Flowers use Cold Water.

What are the bulb flowers that use cold water instead of warm water?

• Allium, Amaryllis,   Anemone, Calla Lily, Crocuses, Daffodils, Daisies, Dahlias, Daylilies, Freesias, Fritillaria Gladiolus, Glory of the Snow, Hyacinth, Irises, Narcissus, Paperwhite, Ranunculus, Snowdrops, Tulips, Winter Aconite.

 

STEP 7

Hardening of Flowers

 

What is “HARDENING of Cut Flowers?

• It is the process of placing the flowers in warm water and then placing them in a cool area FREE FROM DRAFTS is referred to as hardening.
• Hardening” ensures maximum water uptake.
• It simply means placing the freshly cut flower stems in 110° F (43.5° C) water (plus preservative) in a cool location for at least 3 hours. This opens the capillaries so the water can flow to the flower heads.
• Maximum water uptake is attained because water molecules move rapidly at 110° F (kinetic energy) and quickly move up the flower stems.  Flowers at cool temperatures lose less water.
• IMPORTANT:  In this one brief period while the water is cooling, freshly harvested stems, leaves, and flowers take up almost as much water as in the balance of their life.

STEP 8

Storage of cut Flowers in the Flower Cooler ?

Is it good to put as many flowers in a storage container as possible?

• No, do not put too many flowers in one vase.
• This cause bruising and faster dying.

 

How often should the water be changed for cut flowers in the cooler?

• Change the water every 2 days – don’t just top it off.
• This is the single most effective step to keep our flowers looking fresh.

 

Can fruits be stored near flowers in the cooler?

• No, keep cut flowers away from fruit, which releases a gas that causes flowers to age faster.
• The way that you treat flowers after cutting affects how long they will last for the consumer. Master the basics—cooling, cleanliness, and proper care.

STEP 9 PREPARATION OF OASIS FOAM FOR FLOWERS

What is the proper preparation method of Oasis foam?

• To properly use flower foam:  Allow foam to hydrate (suck up solution) on its own.
• When the flower foam goes to the bottom of the container it is filled with water

If in a hurry can the Oasis be forced to take up the solution faster?

• ABSOLUTELY NOT, under no circumstances do you ever do this.
• Do not force the flower foam under the solution to “speed up” the process as air pockets in the foam will likely result.

Is it okay to soak the Oasis flower foam in just regular water?

• No, always soak flower foam in fresh flower solution, never in plain tap water.  Fresh flower food can help overcome some potential negative effects of the foam on flower life.

To save time, can Oasis’s flower foam be made up and kept in a container for days?

• Absolutely not – do not soak Oasis in water for days… what will happen:  BACTERIA, BACTERIA AND MORE BACTERIA

How often should the Oasis soaking solution be changed?

• Change the soaking solution daily. Using old solution to soak new flower foam is a sure way to reduce flower life.

How should Oasis floral foam be cut?

• Cut it to fit the shape of container, leaving enough space for reserve water.

Which is better to cut Oasis flower foam when dry or wet?

• Floral foam cuts easier when wet.

How should the flower stem ends be inserted in the Oasis flower foam?

• Whenever possible, insert flower stem ends below the solution level in the design to help ensure solution uptake.

Does using Oasis foam cut down on the life span of cut flowers?

• When floral foam is used, flower vase life is reduced by an average 17% which includes both the plus and minus flower food treatments.

Can I just put Orchids directly into an Oasis?

• Never put ORCHIDS directly into an OASIS…they must be put into water tubes and then inserted into the Oasis flower foam.

If a flower is removed from an Oasis is it ok to put back in same hole?

• No, once the flower is removed from OASIS…
• Do not re-insert flower back into the same hole.

Why can I not put the flower back in the same whole it came out of?

• By pulling out the flower stem you have created an air pocket.
• Flowers should be re-cut under water and inserted into a new space.
• If you put the flower back in same hole the flower will wilt, hang over or die within hours.

 

STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

 

What steps do I take for Proper Maintenance of Flower Vases, Buckets, & Tools?

–         Disinfect storage buckets with household bleach prior to each use.

–         Scrub and sterilize buckets and tubs between batches of flowers, using a detergent that contains a disinfectant.

–         Do not sit clean buckets on the floor after they have been sterilized:  Either stack them immediately or place them on a sterilized cart to dry before stacking.

–         Every four to six weeks, sterilize coolers (shelves, walls, and floors) with a disinfecting detergent or with an anti-bacterial cleaner.

–         Gather dropped flower petals or leaves in coolers daily.

–         Work diligently to keep tables clean and sterile, this will help ensure that flowers will perform well up to and beyond the point of sale.

Why is it important to clean my tools and practice good hygiene?

• Good sanitation — of buckets, pruners, and water — cuts down on the growth of bacteria, which plug the flower stem ends, preventing the uptake of water, and the flowers die of thirst. Commercial cut-flower preservatives prevent bacteria from growing and extend the life of bouquets up to 75 percent when used in the proportions given on product labels.

What Maintenance should be done on a Daily basis?

• To reduce spreading microorganisms, clean and sanitize everything that comes in contact with cut flowers this includes countertops where flower are being laid for arranging.

 

• Begin with cutting tools: Keep blades sharp and clean.

 

• Sterilize cutting tools at least once daily.

 

• Always use a clean vase…wash with soap and Clorox

 

• Dry flower vases upside down.

 

• The outside can be dried with paper towel but inside should air dry or use wet.