Cut Flower Care and Handling: Iris
Floralife has expanded the Flower Care and Handling section of our website to offer a bunch of useful tips for the postharvest processing of many different varieties of cut flowers. Grower, wholesaler, retailer, enthusiast – there’s usually something for everybody. Let’s keep going down the list! Today’s star is the Iris!
The Iris is a perennial that originated in Mediterranean Europe. Traditionally, it is symbolic of faith, valor and wisdom. According to Wikipedia, the Iris takes its name from the Greek word for rainbow. Iris was also the name for the ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow.
As always, Floralife has some practical Iris care and handling tips for the grower, the wholesaler and the retailer. Here is a preview.
For the Grower: Iris should be harvested in the ‘pencil tip’ stage, when a line of color projects out of the sheathing leaves. Hydrate the Iris with Floralife Bulb 100. If Bulb 100 is not available, use HydraFlor® 100.
For the Wholesaler and Retailer: Buying advice includes avoiding Irises with brown petal tips and unopened flowers that feel soft. Instead, look for flowers in the ‘pencil’ stage, showing color or just starting to open. Unpack the Iris immediately, remove foliage below solution level and recut stems.
Pretreatment: You have two Floralife® hydration products to consider: HydraFlor® 100, a concentrate generally recommended for maximum results; or Floralife® Quick Dip, a ready-to-use version that requires no mixing or measuring. This quick one second dip may be more suitable to retail flower shops.
For Holding and Storage, use 200 series products. For holding and display, use 300 Series products: Bulb 300 is best, but if Bulb 300 is not available Floralife Crystal Clear is also a good choice.
That’s a quick preview of Floralife’s Iris Care and Handling article. There is more at the original piece, including discussion on vase life, ethylene sensitivity, storage temperatures and special care recommendations, so take a look! Are you a fan of the Iris, as a professional or an enthusiast? Let us know in the comments section!