The DOs and DON’Ts of Fresh Cut Flower Care & Handling

Check your flower care and handling knowledge with the DOs and the DON’Ts of fresh cut flower care and handling checklist.

Disinfect all surfaces that the flowers are in contact with: tools, vases, containers, processing stations, counters, shelves, cooler walls, etc.
Always use flower food to process fresh cut flowers.
Cut stems with a sharp utensil.
Remove all foliage that would be below the water level in a vase.
Use a dosing unit that is properly calibrated, or hand mix the solution according to label instructions.
Store flowers in a 34-38°F (1-3°C) environment with a 75-85% humidity. Tropical flowers should be stored at 55-65°F (13-18°C).
Immediately remove flowers that show signs of diseases.
Keep temperature constant to avoid condensation on packaging.
Always give flower bunches enough breathing room in the buckets.
Rotate your fresh cut flower inventory using the FIFO method (first in, first out).
Always keep wet pack boxes upright.
Free float floral foam, imprint side up, until the foam is completely saturated.
Handle flowers with care to avoid physical damage.
Give your suppliers feedback when flowers do not meet vase life or performance expectations.
Check your floral displays several times daily to insure that bunches are in the solution.

Do not use softened water to process flowers.
Do not display flowers in direct sunlight, heat, freezing temperatures, and drafts.
Do not handle flowers by their blooms.
Do not wet flower blooms.
Do not display near ripening produce or smoke as both produce ethylene gas which will shorten flower life.
Do not crush stems while trying to cut them.
Do not leave leaves below the water level in a vase.
Do not mix Daffodils with other flowers.
Do not throw flowers abruptly onto any surfaces, even if soft.
Do not use old or dirty flower food solution to process fresh flowers.
Do not use homemade substitute for flower food such as aspirin, soda pop, bleach, or copper coins.
Do not remove all foliage from the stem. Remove only the ones that will fall below the water level.
Do not use flower food in crystal or metal containers.
Do not display flowers in galvanized buckets without using a liner.
Do not overstuff bunches in buckets.
Do not lay wet pack boxes sideway.
Do not forcibly submerge or plunge floral foam.

Dos and Don’ts