Flowers
Best Temperature for Fresh Cut Flowers and How Temperature Can Affect These Cut Flowers
Temperature guide for cut flowers
The necessity to enhance means that maintaining newly-cut flowers was developed due to the high demands in the market. Factors like temperature are always considered since it can be crucial not only for the cut flowers but for plants in general.
Heat is a factor that can have adverse effects on plants. It can affect the life of the harvested plants by prompting the plant to age prematurely and to rot in an unexpected time. Alarmingly high temperatures intensify the level to which cellular respiration is present. This then leads to the generation of ethylene gas and further production of heat too. Generally, these contribute to a rapid aging process for stored flowers.
Preserving wholesale cut flowers
Keeping cut flowers as fresh is a fundamental aspect among florists. It is vital not only to flower-growers but wholesalers as well. Below are outlined factors that should be considered in the after-harvest management of cut flowers.
Carbohydrate Retention
Right after harvest, the stored carbohydrates in most of the cut flowers are hastily washed-out. Without any precautionary methods, flowers will decay and deteriorate.
Pulsing is an effective process of preserving other carbohydrates and the glucose within the stems. It is done through the immersion of the roots of the flowers to a special mixture that is usually sugar-based. Roots are submerged in the solution, for an hour or so, and it will absorb adequate quantities of supplemental carbohydrates for the plants to store.
Other solutions can be used in the pulsing process, to include the following:
- Gibberellic acid (prevents the leaves from turning yellow)
- Silver thiosulfate (specifically useful in the pulsing of the ethylene-sensitive species)
- Silver nitrate
Inhibiting Ethylene
Ethylene is dangerous to most flowers and results in the wearing off of petals and rotting. Therefore, eliminating ethylene is the best way. Ethylene inhibition is engaged to keep the freshness of flowers. It is done through the elimination or reduction of ethylene that is produced by plant respiration as well as from gas via exogenous sources.
Carnations, some types of roses, and delphiniums are delicate to even just small amounts of ethylene and need distinct methods of maintenance.
Plant respiration, burning of biological resources, and maturing of fruits have contributed to the production of ethylene. This gas can be eradicated through:
- Pulsing
- Treating with an inhibitor that is ethylene-based
- Storing cut or harvested flowers in rooms with chilly temperatures
Once appropriately used, these techniques will remove the presence of ethylene and enhance the shelf life of the stored flowers.
Cooling Systems
Living organisms, including flowering plants, go through a series of respiration progressions that produce heat. Heat retention from metabolism is associated with the fast maturity of trimmed flowers.
While the accumulated heat disperses in exposed settings, keeping flowers in wrapped boxes accelerates the aging process. Prolonged existence in this aspect is decreased because of the retained heat energy surrounding the flowers. The flowers’ respiration goes at an accelerated level, generating more warmth and age rapidly.
To evade this, refrigeration is recommended among florists. Putting freshly cut flowers in chilly temperatures can regulate the temperature of heat thus giving the assurance of fresh flowers for an extended period.
Humidity and Hydration
The required level of humidity in ensuring the trimmed flowers to last long should be high. Saturated air should be estimated at up to 90% to 95 %. In addition, sufficient rehydration is necessary for trimmed flowers once they are cultivated from various sources.
To attain optimum levels of hydration, the stems must be soaked in uncontaminated water. Once correctly hydrated, the freshness of trimmed flowers will be retained for extended hours.
It is important to note that having bacteria or air bubbles in trimmed stem plants can lead to serious problems because it can stop the flow of water in their lumen. This situation should be given attention in the after-harvest maintenance of trimmed flowers.
Best Temperatures for Fresh Cut Flower Storage
Before arriving at an appropriate temperature in storing trimmed flowers, you might first consider their species. The temperature range for the majority of flowers is between 33oF to 37oF. Icy delicate flowers however should be kept at temperature levels that are not exceeding beyond 50oF.
Atmospheric Temperature
Close regulation of the atmospheric temperature for trimmed blooms is ideal. Monitoring the thermal levels within the storing facility must be done to reflect the same temperature within the packages. Usually, the temperature levels must not exceed beyond 40oF.
Water Temperature
After cutting the garden-fresh blooms, the immediate step to be done is to submerge their stems in water. This prevents the plant from losing water. To the majority of florists, using water that is lukewarm is best. With little exceptions, hydrating the plant in lukewarm water is better than cold water because the flower stems can absorbed easily the molecules. Satisfactory water temperature for flowers is between 100oF to 110oF.
Maintaining the Temperature
Products like water-cooling systems and environmental chillers are used to achieve the desired temperature for trimmed blooms. Once done, the regulation of temperature to which trimmed blooms are packaged and transported will guarantee an extended lifespan.
Check out Cold Shot Chillers’ selection of flower chillers
Through the years, Cold Shot Chillers continuously deliver premium quality cooling solutions and industrial water chillers to customers. They continued staying dedicated to the manufacturing of high-grade air-cooled chillers, which are suitable for a variety of uses including the ones in the flower trade.
You can contact them today to request a quote and to inquire about their cooling services and products.
