There is relatively little published information comparing the postharvest life of different ornamental cultivars. Growers, wholesalers and retailers can learn which cultivars perform satisfactorily after harvest by: 1) Running tests to determine which cultivars perform best. 2) Selling flowers and plants by cultivar name so they can receive feedback from customers on specific cultivars. 3) Running tests on new cultivars. 4) Purchasing flowers and plants only by cultivar names. Preharvest factors What goes on in the greenhouse or field is an important determinant of the quality and life of flowers and potted plants. Disease free plants that are properly irrigated and fertilized will likely produce flowers that look better and perform better in the vase. Proper “hardening” or “acclimation” of potted and bedding plants will provide a product that will survive the rigors of transport and marketing and perform satisfactorily in the home or garden. Maturity Minimum harvest maturity for a cut-flower crop is the stage at which harvested buds can be opened fully and have satisfactory display life after distribution. Many flowers are best cut in the bud stage and opened after storage, transport or distribution. This technique has many advantages, including reduced growing time for single-harvest crops, increased product packing density, simplified temperature management, reduced susceptibility to mechanical damage and reduced desiccation. Many flowers are presently harvested when the buds are starting to open (rose, gladiolus), although others are normally fully open or nearly so (chrysanthemum, carnation). Flowers for local markets are generally harvested much more open than those intended for storage and/or long-distance transport. Potted flowering plants are normally marketed when the first flowers are open. Maturity of bedding plants is a vexing issue because although such plants do best if they are sold when still growing rapidly, consumers show a preference for plants with color, which are often root-bound and will not perform so well in the garden. Temperature Respiration of cut flowers and potted plants, an integral part of growth and aging, generates heat as a by-product. Furthermore, as the ambient temperature rises, the respiration rate increases. For example, a flower held at 85ºF is likely
S A F F L OW E R & P L A N T C A R E
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