Solidago, otherwise known as Goldenrods, can be found growing wild through some part of the Northern Hemisphere late spring through the dog days of summer. Available for the commercial market year-round, Solidago has become a must-have for many designers. Serving double duty as a filler or line flower, Solidago is a very dependable crop that enjoys a lengthy vase life if the right steps for care and handling are followed.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Although low sensitivity to ethylene, Solidago can benefit from the use of an ethylene action-inhibitor products such EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation or FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level to minimize Solidago from any risk to ethylene exposure.
Problem:
Disease Sensitivity
Solution:
Botrytis sensitivity depends upon the variety; some have low susceptibility while others are susceptible. Do not over pack boxes to allow good airflow and avoid temperature fluctuations during shipping to prevent any condensation inside packaging.
Problem:
Hydration
Solution:
An extremely thirsty crop, hydration is the key to the longest possible vase life for this crop. Pre-treatment at farm level with FloraLife® Express Clear 100 will kick start hydration and help stems hydrate fully before packing and shipping.
Need to Know: Solidago Helpful Hints
Properly Dosing and Mixing Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop and stalk to open to the top
- Helps Solidago stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Longer vase life
- Better color development
Keep them Fresh!
- Solidago needs to hydrate well and continuously to stay fresh. We recommend pre-treating at farms with FloraLife® Express Clear 100 or FloraLife® Bulb 100*.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Express Universal 300 or FloraLife® Universal 300* packets.
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Solidago can ship dry or wet without any issue as long as you maintain the cold chain throughout the distribution. If shipping or storing dry pack, be sure flowers are well hydrated at farm level prior to packing. If shipping or storing wet pack, we recommend using FloraLife® Express Clear 200 storage and shipping solution.
- Line your boxes with FloraLife® Transport Paper sheets prior to shipping from farms.
Performance
- Average vase life for Solidago is 7-14 days.
- A slow opener, solidago begins blooming at the bottom of the spike working its way up. Opening speed will increase with warmer ambient temperature.
- Foliage can experience leaf yellowing, use an anti-leaf yellowing treatment such as FloraLife® Bulb 100*. Anti-ethylene treatments have also been shown to reduce leaf yellowing
- Solidago can be mixed with other flowers without harming them.
- When processing, product should be received when the clusters of florets (capitula) are golden yellow, and the petals begin to open. Make sure the inflorescence and leaves are clean from diseases and pests. Be sure all leaves that would be below the flower food solution level are removed. If you aren't using FloraLife® Express technology, you'll want to re-cut stems. If receiving dry pack, process immediately first using FloraLife® Quick Dip followed by FloraLife® Express Clear Ultra 200 for better hydration, especially at wholesale, retail, and bouquet operations. Check water levels daily, if water levels become low, you should repeat your processing steps replenishing with a freshly made flower food solution.
- Solidago performs well in foam. If designing in foam use OASIS® MaxLife for best hydration and hydrate stems overnight prior to designing. Solidago can be used as a vertical line flower in arrangements to achieve height or as a filler flower. 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. Following cold chain protocols, Solidago has a storage life of 5 days. If storing wet pack check water levels occasionally to be sure stems stay hydrated.
Need more info. or just want to chat? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representation for an in-person consultation!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.