Red Roses have strong, sturdy stems, and for some varieties, an unforgettable fragrance.
Their blooms span nearly the full color spectrum from shades of pastels to pure saturated colors to bold confident hues in solid, striped or variegated petals.
Florists should look for roses that have just begun to unfurl.
Avoid flower stems with obvious excessive wilting symptoms which could be an indication of dehydration, ethylene damage or of improper temperature and humidity management. Brown spots or patches on the outer petals may be an indication of botrytis infection
Maintain cold chain during unpacking—minimize time out of the cooler.
If you receive dry-packed, we recommend conditioning of stem ends to prevent blockage and promote solution uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 per manufacturer’s directions. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
Rose wraps should be left in place for at least 2 hours to support the flower heads during hydration.
Store in a cooler at 34 - 38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate by placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.
Cut, or don’t cut stems if using FloraLife® Express Technology, approximately 1" at a 45° angle using clean, sanitized clippers or knife. You should always cut between nodes on Carnation stems.
Remove any foliage that would fall below the water line.
Place flowers in vase or insert stems into foam prepared with FloraLife® Flower Food solution.
Finish
Before sending red roses out, apply FloraLife® Finishing Touch Sprayas a final step to refresh and hydrate before arrangements leave the shop.
Prevent botrytis with good airflow and proper cooler humidity.
The outer petals, or “guard petals”, protect the inner bloom during shipping. Florists may remove them for a polished look (gently tug to remove) or leave them for a natural aesthetic.
Never store or display fresh-cut flowers near ripening produce, direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, or drafts.
Your best insurance policy? Send customers home with a FloraLife® Express Flower Food packet. Advise customers to repeat care and handing steps on the packet every 3 days or as needed for maximum enjoyment.
