Effect of Inaccurate Flower Food Dosing on Cut Flowers

Research Update December 2024, powered by FloraLife
Mominul Hoque – Postharvest Scientist, FloraLife

Introduction:

Proper dosing of flower food is essential for optimizing the quality and lifespan of cut flowers. It helps maintain hydration, prevents premature wilting and allows flowers to bloom naturally, keeping their shape, fragrance, and color intact. However, accurate dosing is often overlooked. Using too little flower food in the vase solution can result in underdeveloped blooms, while overdosing can cause damage to the stems and leaves. Flower foods are most effective when used according to the recommended dosage.

Research:

An experiment was conducted at the FloraLife laboratory to evaluate the effects of different flower food dosing on cut flowers. Flowers grown in Colombia were sourcedand unpacked upon arrival. Flower stems were cut to vase length and the leaves below the solution level were removed. Stems were placed into vases filled with FloraLife® Express 300 liquidcontaining 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 percent of the recommended dosage. The vases were placed on the tables in the vase life observation room at 68-70 ℉.

Results:

pH,vase life (days), and stem discoloration (0-5, None to completely brown) on vase life day 7.

Conclusion:

Overall, the recommended dose at 100% showed the best results considering the vase life and stem discoloration. Under and overdose results in very high or low pH. Underdosing showed a decreasing vase life trend for roses while overdosing showed a similar trend for Alstroemeria. Overdosing caused severe stem burning for alstroemeria and some damage to roses. This study confirms the importance of mixing flower food at the recommended dosage to achieve the best results. It is recommended that you avoid extreme under- and over – dosing to prevent negative effects on flowers.

Photos:

Appearance of the flowers and stems on day 7 of vase life. Severe stem burn was observed at higher than recommended dose.