A Guide to How Florists Ensure Flower Freshness
Florists go to great lengths to ensure that the flowers they offer remain fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Here’s a look at some key practices florists use to maintain flower freshness:
1. Proper Handling Upon Arrival
Receiving Flowers: Fresh flowers are often shipped from farms to florists in climate-controlled trucks to maintain an optimal temperature. Upon arrival, florists check the condition of each flower, ensuring that they are not damaged or wilted.
Hydration: Flowers are immediately placed in water, sometimes with flower food, to rehydrate them after their journey. Many flowers travel without water, so they need immediate attention to rehydrate and regain their vitality.
2. Trimming Stems
Cutting Stems: Florists trim the stems of flowers at an angle before placing them in water. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively and prevents air bubbles from forming in the stems, which can block water absorption.
Removing Leaves: Leaves that are submerged in water are removed to prevent decay and bacterial growth. This also helps the flowers stay fresh longer.
3. Storage Conditions
Temperature Control: Florists store flowers in cool environments. Flowers should be kept between 34°F (1°C) and 40°F (4°C), ideally in a refrigeration unit designed specifically for flower storage. Proper temperature slows down the aging process and helps prevent wilting.
Humidity: Flowers thrive in environments with a controlled level of humidity, which prevents them from drying out. Florists make sure their coolers or storage areas are not too dry.
4. Flower Food
Using Flower Preservatives: Florists often add flower food to the water. Flower food typically contains a mix of sugars (to nourish the flowers), acid (to maintain the right pH balance), and a bactericide (to prevent bacterial growth that could cause early wilting).
Changing Water Regularly: Florists ensure that the flowers are always in clean water. Dirty water can cause the stems to block up, leading to a loss of water absorption. Fresh water helps maintain the flowers' health.
5. Flower Selection
Choosing Fresh Flowers: Florists know what to look for when selecting fresh flowers from suppliers. This includes looking for flowers that are just beginning to open (not fully bloomed or too tightly closed) to ensure they last longer.
Condition Checking: Florists also check for signs of disease or pest damage before bringing flowers into their shops, making sure only the healthiest specimens are available for customers.
6. Display and Handling in the Shop
Keeping Flowers Hydrated: In the shop, florists often display flowers in vases or containers filled with water to keep them hydrated. Some flowers, like roses or lilies, may be kept in cool, misted areas to prevent wilting.
Minimizing Exposure: Florists try to minimize the time flowers are exposed to sunlight or heat, as these factors speed up the wilting process. Keeping flowers away from direct light and heat sources helps them stay fresh longer.
7. Transportation to Customers
Using Proper Packaging: When flowers are sold, florists package them in a way that minimizes stress and damage during transport. Flowers are usually wrapped in paper or placed in a vase with water to ensure they remain hydrated during the journey to their destination.
Temperature Control: For deliveries, florists may use insulated bags or refrigerated transport, especially if flowers are being delivered over long distances, to maintain freshness.
8. Customer Education
Providing Care Instructions: Florists often provide customers with advice on how to care for their flowers at home. This includes trimming stems, changing water frequently, and keeping flowers in a cool place.
Encouraging Quick Use: Florists may advise customers to arrange or display their flowers quickly after purchase, as flowers begin to degrade once removed from water for too long.
By following these detailed steps, florists ensure that their flowers stay as fresh as possible, bringing joy and beauty to their customers for as long as possible.
