We’re proudly represent you a Special Research Report
Best Practices for Retail Display of Fresh Cut Roses and Lilies
T.A. Nell, Professor Emeritus, R.T. Leonard and A.M. Alexander, Biological Scientists Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611
This study evaluated a range of temperatures and display times using retail floral coolers on the postharvest performance of cut Roses and Asiatic hybrid lilies.
Flowers were kept in the display coolers for 2, 4, 6, or 8 days. Control flowers were displayed outside the coolers at room temperature (70 °F, 70 ftc (12 hrs/day) and 50% relative humidity).
Result for ‘Charlotte’ Roses 5 days after removal from 8 days in display conditions.
Photo 1.
Result for Lilies 8 days after removal from 4 days in display conditions.
Photo 2.
CONCLUSIONS
Flowers displayed at room temperatures had a rapid decline in fresh weight, took up less vase solution, and had a significant reduction in vase life during subsequent consumer conditions. Displaying flowers at the lower temperatures in florist coolers significantly increased vase life up to 8.5 days for roses and 9.4 days for lilies. A short display of 4 days or less at temperatures < 42 °F will maximize vase life.
IMPACT TO THE INDUSTRY
Using display coolers is an easy way to maintain flower quality during retail display. Flowers will last significantly longer for customers if retailers keep stems cold.
Contact:
tanell@ufl.edu
January 2010 © Copyright
American Floral Endowment. All Rights Reserved
Please visit
http://endowment.org/images/stories/research/Research_Post_Production/447%20nell.pdf to see a full research report.
