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Feature
July | 2023
SPECIAL CARE SPECIAL CARE
for Summer Flowers for Summer Flowers
ummer provides a host of seasonal cut fl owers to
expand the palette of fl ower colors and forms. Many
summer fl owers may be available locally, so wholesalers
and retail fl orists are encouraged to establish relationships with
local growers where products may be purchased and picked
up at the farms or possibly delivered directly without shipping
costs. Because freshness is so important, it's best to obtain
these fl owers right after cutting rather than buying them
from markets where they might have been subjected to
higher temperatures and less-than-ideal conditions.
As with any cut fl owers, growers may need to use special
treatment solutions to avoid ethylene damage and prevent
premature leaf yellowing. Retail fl orists should become
familiar with locally grown fl owers and learn the best
method of optimizing vase life.
Let's look at 10 of the most popular summer fl owers and
how to care for them.
• Allium off ers fl owers in white and blue-purples, with fl owers
lasting 14 to 20 days, depending on the species. Growers should
treat these fl owers with an anti-ethylene product because they
are sensitive to ethylene. It is best to use a holding solution
(low-dose fl ower food) for optimum vase life. Allium is sensitive
to cold temperatures and, therefore, should be held in a fl oral
cooler at 36 F to 41 F for no more than three or four days, or
their vase life will be reduced.
• Celosia should be harvested when the fl owers are just beginning
to open. For initial hydration, plain water is fi ne, but it does not
hold the fl owers for long periods. Retail fl orists should use a
fl ower food solution. Vase life may exceed two to three weeks
if fl ower food solution is used (with or without fl oral foam).
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