Post-Harvest Care & Floral Preservation Flashcards

What is the recommended water temperature for initially conditioning freshly cut flowers to maximize water uptake?

Answer: Warm water (100-110°F)

Warm water (100-110°F) moves up stem vessels more quickly than cold water, improving initial hydration of freshly cut flowers.

What is the primary reason to re-cut flower stems before placing them in water?

Answer: To remove bacteria-laden sealed ends and improve water uptake

Re-cutting removes the sealed, bacteria-contaminated stem ends, exposing fresh vascular tissue that can absorb water freely.

At what angle should stems be cut to maximize water absorption?

Answer: 45 degrees

A 45-degree cut increases the exposed surface area for water uptake and prevents the stem end from resting flat against the container bottom.

What is the ideal storage temperature range for most temperate cut flowers?

Answer: 35-40°F (2-4°C)

Most cut flowers are best stored at 35-40°F to slow metabolic activity and bacterial growth, significantly extending vase life.

Which component of a floral preservative solution is primarily responsible for preventing bacterial growth in vase water?

Answer: A biocide such as sodium hypochlorite

Biocides like sodium hypochlorite kill bacteria that would otherwise multiply, block stem vessels, and shorten flower vase life.

What does the floral industry term 'conditioning' (also called hardening) refer to?

Answer: Allowing freshly cut flowers to fully hydrate before use in arrangements

Conditioning allows newly cut flowers to fully rehydrate and recover from shipping stress before being incorporated into finished arrangements.

Which category of flowers requires their stem ends to be singed with a flame before conditioning to prevent sap from blocking water uptake?

Answer: Euphorbia and poppies

Euphorbia, poppies, and other latex-producing flowers exude milky sap that seals the cut end; singeing stops this flow and opens the stem for water absorption.