Florists Review tip of the Week

Jun 5, 2017  National Rose Month June is National Rose Month, so promoting these beautiful blooms all month long is a must! Create signage and displays emphasizing roses, and while you’re at it, be sure your rose care standards are up to snuff. • Purchase only roses that have a firm feel, turgid stems and healthy green foliage. • Sterilize all containers, cutting tools and cutting areas with a professional antibacterial cleaner before processing roses. • Unpack roses immediately, inspect them for damage or problems, and start processing them right away.  • Remove any foliage and thorn tips that will be under water in the storage containers. Remove only the foliage that will fall below the water line because the leaves are beneficial to the flowers. Don’t nick, scrape or puncture the “bark” of the stem. • Using only clean, sharp knives or cutters, remove at least 1 inch from the stem ends. If you use an underwater cutter, change the water frequently.  • Dip or place stem ends into a hydration solution; then place them into sterile containers partially filled with cool, properly proportioned flower-food solution. • Place roses into a floral cooler at 33 F to 35 F, with at least 85 percent to 90 percent humidity, for at least two hours before selling or arranging them. This will allow them to hydrate properly. Continue to store/display roses in a floral cooler to slow aging. Change the vase water and recut rose stems every other day.

Christina Burton-Fox AIFD floral artist & instructor