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After we discuss in part I about the temperature, humidity and nutrition, we will discuss now about light and wather.

Light

Light is not as great of concern as other factors mentioned earlier; however, chronic darkness will cause foliar deterioration. Remember, optimum light levels during production are important to ensure high quality cut flowers.

Water

Plant tissue is comprised mainly of water (at least 95%). Water loss in cut flowers can occur rapidly leading to wilting. Maintaining a low temperature helps to reduce water loss and allows easier rehydration after shipping. Try to prevent any wilting, which will shorten vase life. While it is common to handle flowers dry and rehydrate them later, vase life generally suffers.

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While most cut flowers are currently imported from out-of-state producers, Oklahoma growers can substantially contribute to and profit from the production and marketing of cut flowers. Greenhouse or garden centers could diversify their operations with cut flowers, depending upon proper care of the flowers and establishment of a market. Since Oklahoma is centrally located in the U.S. and has two major airports, increased production of cut flowers could be warranted. Therefore, establishing care and handling guidelines is critical to the success of cut flower production in Oklahoma. Below is basic information which may be useful to growers, wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately the consumers.

Since water quality and growing, harvesting, and storing conditions vary considerably, it is important to first test any changes in procedures on a small scale. Whether a firm is growing or importing cut flowers, periodic tests of the vase life of the flowers should be conducted to assure that vase life is adequate. Flowers may look acceptable, but may not last as long as possible.

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This is generally possible using the flower nutrition, as liquid or granules, (the flower nutrition’s dissolution has to be made into another vase, not directly into flower vase, in warm water) and, on the other hand, using the chemical solutions to destroy the bacteria that is speeding up the putrefaction process.There are several techniques of keeping the cut flower’s life:

• Cleansing the inferior part of the stem, which remain in water, of leafs, flowers or sprigs, because those are disintegrating and there comes the reek.

• Averting the leafs from the entire stem. This practice is used to ligneous species, like the lilac, of which leafs are exuding and than the flower is not longer hydrated.

• The cut of the stem at a very sharp angle 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the end of the stem that the absorption area would be as large as the flower need to be hydrated. If you want to refresh the flower, cut the stem once more. Is good for the flower to be cut under water, blocking the air to break in.

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