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The article discusses
dry and wet storage techniques for flowers.
Dry storage:
One of the main goals with dry storage is to extend shelf life (the life of the product before being prepared for final sale to the consumer). In properly managed dry storage, the flowers should be in vapor-locked containers to create a microclimate to retain moisture and reduce transpiration. This is most commonly achieved by wrapping the flowers in plastic after precooling by the growers.
The cooler for dry storage must be kept at a temperature of 32ºF to 33ºF, where respiration and transpiration are at minimum level. If temperatures are above 33ºF, biological processes begin to take place that can be detrimental to the extended life of the flowers.
Generally, as the storage temperature increases (above 36ºF to 38ºF) flowers should be stored in a fresh flower food solution, or dehydration will occur because of increased evaporation, transpiration, and respiration.
Advantages of dry storage
a. It requires less space to store boxes of cut flowers as opposed to flowers stored in buckets
b. There is less mechanical damage to the flowers when transported to different locations.
c. It is less labor intensive.
d. You can purchase greater quantities - especially helpful prior to holidays
Disadvantages of dry storage
a. It is not a good choice if temperature is above 33ºF to 34ºF. At this temperature flowers should be stored in water.
b. Most retail operations are not set up with proper refrigeration to do this successfully.
It is important to remember that dry storage is not advantageous for all types of flowers. Roses, carnations and chrysanthemums generally do not respond well to dry storage conditions and do better when stored wet in a flower food situation.
Wet Storage:
Wet storage is when you store flowers in flower flood situation for relatively short period of time (one to four days). The environment should be 34*F to 38*F at 80 to 90 percent relative humidity. If you are only going to store flowers for a short period of time, this is the best method.
Advantages of wet storage
a. The product is ready to use and sell at the retail level immediately
b. The sooner you sell flowers after the harvest date the longer vase life they will have for the end consumer
c. You can more easily examine the final conditions of the flowers for credit or replacement
Disadvantage of wet storage
a. It is more expensive to store them because of space and shelving needed to accommodate the buckets.
b. In general, more mechanical damage will take place during handling, packing and transporting.
c. You have a shorter window in which to get them in the consumers hands (three to four days) to ensure maximum vase life.
Growers, brokers and wholesalers and retailers utilize traditionally dry storage. Retailers can also use dry storage. The choice is yours. You must first consider the quality of the product you are buying, space allocation, inventory turnover, and temperature/relative humidity environment. By paying attention to the details, you can successfully store flowers for the maximum enjoyment of the end user - the consumer |
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