Accepted Cooling Methods and Optimal handling Conditions for Flowers

Optimal Handling Conditions for Flowers and Nursery Stock

Cooling Methods:

■ HVC: Hydro Vacuum Cooling	■ FA-EC: Forced-air Evaporative Cooling
■ VC: Vacuum Cooling	■ PI: Package-icing
■ HC: Hydro Cooling	■ R: Room Cooling
■ FA: Forced-air Cooling

Cut Flowers	Storage temperature		Approximate Storage Life	Highest freezing temperature		Accepted Pre-Cooling Methods
Cut Flowers	°C	°F	Approximate Storage Life		°F	Accepted Pre-Cooling Methods
Carnation	-0.6-0.6	31-33	2-4 weeks	FA	30.8	FA, VC
Chrysanthemum	-0.6-0.6	31-33	2-4 weeks	FA	30.5	FA, VC
Gardenia	0-1.1	32-34	2 weeks	FA	31.0	FA, VC
Gladiolus (as buds)	4–6	40-42	5-8 days	FA	31.4	FA, VC
Iris, bulbous	-0.6-0.6	31-33	1-2 weeks	FA	30.6	FA, VC
Orchids	7–10	45-50	1-2 weeks	FA	31.4	FA, VC
Rose (dry pack)	0	32	1-2 weeks	FA	31.2	FA, VC
Rose (in water)	0.6-2	33-35	4-5 days	FA	31.2	FA, VC
Snapdragon	0.6-2	33-35	1-2 weeks	FA	30.4	FA, VC

Commodity	Size of operation		Remarks
Commodity	Large	Small*	Remarks
Cut flowers	FA, R, VC	FA, VC	When cut flowers are packaged, only use forced-air cooling
Potted plants	VC, R	R

Source: Focusun Research. Information gathered from academic and governmental research organizations. Although we make every effort to provide you with comprehensive, carefully researched and up-to-date information we can provide no guarantee of the relevance, accuracy, correctness or completeness of such information. Please make sure you consulted all available information in order to make the right decision.