Spray Roses are not only romantic, but also extremely versatile. A popular favorite for a more natural, fresh from the garden look, Spray Roses are conveniently available year-round in an endless number of shades and hues perfect for any and all occasions. Each and every variety of Spray Rose has its own unique characteristics, and although no two are the same, they all need the same thing: excellent care and handling! Following a few simple tips and tricks will ensure your Spray Roses last their longest.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Varieties can be ethylene sensitive. Ethylene sensitivity and ethylene production in Spray Roses are highly fluctuating among cultivars. Symptoms include poor opening or failure to open, wilting, petal shattering, petal discoloration, leaf yellowing and leaf drop. To lessen risk due to ethylene exposure, Spray Roses can benefit from an ethylene action-inhibitor product such as EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation or from an STS treatment at farm level such as FloraLife® EthylGuard*.
Problem:
Disease Sensitivity
Solution:
Spray Roses can be susceptible to botrytis, affecting flower petals and stems, significantly reducing vase life. Symptoms include brown blotches on petals and gray fuzzy growth on stems or flowers. Recommended to treat with anti-botrytis agent before transport and storage. Do not over pack boxes to allow good airflow and avoid temperature fluctuations during shipping to prevent any condensation inside packaging.
Problem:
Physical / Mechanical Damage
Solution:
Spray Roses are prone to physical or mechanical damage. It is critical to secure bunches well inside of box to ensure blooms do not move too much during transport avoiding creasing or bruising of petals. Take extra care when processing or pulling stems as laterals tend to get tangled.
Problem:
Bent Neck
Solution:
Bent neck can be caused by a number of issues such as dehydration, exposure to high temperature, exposure to ethylene, high microbe growth or infection of the stem by botrytis. A rose that exhibits early bent neck conditions due to dehydration may be revived by re-cutting stems and dipping into FloraLife® Quick Dip, followed by placing into freshly made flower food solution.
Need to Know: Spray Roses Helpful Hints
Properly Dosing and Mixing Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop and open
- Helps Spray Roses stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Results in longer vase life and better color development
Keep them Fresh!
- It is recommended to treat with ethylene action-inhibitor products such as EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation or FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level followed by hydration with FloraLife® Express Clear 100.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Clear Rose 200* or FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Express Universal 300, FloraLife® Universal 300* or FloraLife Crystal Clear® packets.
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C.
- Spray Roses can ship dry or wet without issue. Storing wet, be sure to check solution levels and replenish if needed to keep Spray Roses hydrated. Line your boxes with FloraLife® Transport Paper sheets prior to shipping from farms.
Performance
- The average vase life for Spray Roses is 4-12 days.
- Opening speed varies by variety and cut stage. To avoid mechanical damage during storage and transport, Spray Roses are typically harvested at an immature cut stage. For best blooming and vase life, stems should be re-processed upon arrival. Opening speed will increase with warmer ambient temperature.
- Spray Roses can be mixed with other flowers without any negative effects.
- Foliage should be green, and some varieties may have thorns. Remove foliage that falls below the solution level to prevent contamination of the solution as much as possible. Avoid damaging the stems when stripping the foliage as the wounds are entry points for botrytis. Do not over pack buckets to allow good airflow to avoid condensation and physical damage. If you aren't using FloraLife® Express technology, you'll want to re-cut stems. The Spray Rose is a thirsty crop; check solution levels daily. If water levels become low, you should repeat your processing steps replenishing with a freshly made flower food solution. Maintaining proper sanitation with bucket and vase solution will maximize vase life.
- Extremely versatile, Spray Roses can be used in arrangements, bouquets, or for more delicate corsage or boutonniere work. Spray Roses can be used as a mass flower in arrangements and are great for color blocking, or as focal flowers. Performs well in foam if hydrated enough. If designing in foam, we suggest using OASIS® Deluxe Floral Foam Maxlife for best hydration and hydrate stems overnight prior to designing. Cut stems at an angle before inserting into foam and check foam saturation daily to keep stems hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- Our recommendation for inventory rotation is to follow the FIFO (First in First Out) guidelines. You should always follow cold chain protocols to give end consumers the best vase life experience. Spray Roses should be stored no longer than 7 days. If storing wet pack, check water levels periodically to be sure stems stay hydrated.
Have questions or need more info.? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representative for an in-person consultation!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.