Caring for Dry Packed Flowers
From store arrival to delivery to consumer
Step 1 Sanitize
Clean and sanitize your buckets, tools, work surfaces, cooler walls or anything that comes into direct contact with flowers (non-porous surfaces only) with a professional cleaning and sanitizing product formulated specifically for the floral industry. Unlike bleach, professional floral cleaning products have a residual effect that helps keep these items clean and sanitized for a while after treatment.
Step 2 Hydrate
Use an instant hydrating treatment such as FloraLife® Quick Dip to jump start hydration and ensure free-flowing stems. This can be especially helpful with field grown crops. It’s a must for Roses and Gerbera Daisies to help prevent bent necks.
Step 3 Nourish
Cut or don’t cut stem ends if using the FloraLife® Express Technology* flower food products. When using a traditional cut flower food, recut stems approximately 1” (2.5cm) using clean, sanitized clippers or knife. Then immediately place the freshly cut flower stems into a properly dosed flower food solution. Use a dosing unit that is properly calibrated, or hand mix the solution according to label instructions. Flowers need to be nourished to ensure maximum quality and enjoyment.
Use the Store and Transport solution for storing and displaying flowers. It contains just enough nutrients for the natural development of flowers but prevents them from opening too soon. Use the Feed solution for flower arrangements in vases and in floral foam. It contains all the ingredients needed for the flowers to open beautifully while keeping them in optimal condition. It can also be used to stimulate bud opening of immature flowers.
*Express technology performs at its optimum only when accompanied with good care and handling practices.
Step 4 Finish
Use a professional finishing spray such as Floralife® Finishing Touch to refresh, hydrate, and protect your flowers. Quick and easy to apply, this is a final measure of insurance before your arrangement goes out the door. A simple fine mist spray is all it takes to maximize customer satisfaction and extend the enjoyment of receiving flowers!
Step 5 Customer Care
Educate your customers and the recipients of your flowers on how to care for the flowers. Caution them about placing flowers in direct sunlight, drafty places, or near heating and cooling vents. Remind them to change the flower food solution when needed. And provide flower food sachets with every purchase and delivery – enough to enable consumers to change the solution throughout the life of the arrangement or bouquet. This is your best insurance policy to guarantee that the freshness will continue.