Fresh cut flowers are just like people - they need food and water in order to survive. They need attention from the time they are harvested; through each stage of the distribution right up to and including the time they are in the vase. Without "conditioning" flowers are less likely to fully develop, and will have a significantly shorter lifespan once they reach the consumer.
1. Selecting Your Flowers
In order for the florist to be able to guarantee a vase life to the customer make sure that the flowers purchased will be able to achieve the sales period including days up to the point of sale as well as the consumer vase life.
Check with your supplier as to whether your flowers have been pre-treated. The difference in lasting ability and performance between non-pre-treated and pre-treated flowers is substantial.
2. Hygiene
Ensure that all work areas, surfaces and utensils such as
knives and scissors are frequently cleaned to prevent the
build up of bacteria and disease spread. This should be conducted on a daily basis.
Clean all flower containers, buckets, tools, countertops, coolers and floors with Chrysal Cleaner. Its pleasant scent will compliment your flowers; unlike bleach, it does not stain, leave harmful residue or release fumes. Chrysal Cleaner should also be used to clean your Dosing Unit. Once a week allow the solution to run through the unit to prevent build up blockage
3. Flower Storage
Ideally keep flowers in cold storage between 34 - 38 F
with humidity set 90 to 95%. Avoid opening the doors too
often causing temperature fluctuations.
Flowers should not be stored with high ethylene producing products such as fruits as this will rapidly reduce the flower's vase life.
4. Condition of Flowers
It is important to re-hydrate all dry-pack flowers for a
minimum of four hours before placing on sale.
Re-cut stems with a sharp knife approximately 1 inch from the bottom. Do not scrape, bash or hammer the stem as this will cause damage and stimulate bacterial infection.
Place flowers in a hydrating solution such as Chrysal Professional #1 or Chrysal Clear Professional #2.
Chrysal Professional #1 is a 100% hydrating solution for Roses, Gerberas and all woody stem flowers. It prevents "bent-neck".
Chrysal Clear Professional #2 is a processing solution, containing 70% hydration and 30% nutrients for all flowers. It hydrates flowers while at the same time nourishing them. This formulation prevents flower starvation without blowing open the bloom. It's ideal for all display buckets.
Accurate dosing is important. If too much is used, it's a waste of money. If too little is used, the benefits of the solutions will be significantly reduced. The best method of dosing accurately is to use a Chrysal Dosing Unit for the liquid concentrate solutions. However, for ultimate convenience and speed, our new and innovative pre-dosed Chrysal T-Bags are ideal.
5. Point of Sale
All vase and foam arrangements should be filled with
Chrysal Clear Professional #3 Vase Solution. It contains a
full load of food, which will enhance the flowers' fragrance,
color and vase life. The vase water will remain clean and
clear, making it ideal for crystal vases.
Always add a Chrysal 1 quart sachet to all your flower sales. Consumers will be able to further continue and finalize the chain of life. The flower food will help buds develop to their fullest potential.
To maximize the performance of bulb flowers, such as, Tulips, Freesia, Iris, etc., the use of a special flower food formulation is imperative. Using Chrysal Clear Bulb Flower Food sachets will enhance vase life and prevent leaf yellowing.
You can even have the sachets personalized with your shop's logo. For just pennies you are telling your customers you care about their flowers and generating customer loyalty.
All the above steps will further ensure customer satisfaction. It is proven that a satisfied consumer means repeat sales and word of mouth advertising.