Preserving the Freshness and Quality of Roses During Transportation

Maintaining the freshness and quality of roses during transportation is a key aspect in the world of wholesale flower trade. Roses, being one of the most popular and delicate types of cut flowers, require special attention at every stage of their journey from the plantation to the final buyer. We will look at best practices, backed by research, and examples of successful implementation of these recommendations.

Timing of Rose Cutting

Optimal Cutting Time for Various Types of Roses

Choosing the right time to cut roses is crucial for maintaining their freshness. For most types of roses, the best moment is the budding stage, when the buds have not yet fully opened. For instance, roses and gladioli should be cut when the bud just begins to open, allowing them to stay fresh throughout their journey. It is important to note that even after cutting, rose buds continue to open, making them ideal for sale. Other types, such as carnations and chrysanthemums, can be cut at full bloom as they retain their decorative properties longer. However, if carnations are cut with an unopened bud, it will not open further in a vase, reducing their commercial value.

How Proper Cutting Time Affects the Preservation and Opening of Buds

Cutting roses at the budding stage helps avoid over-ripening and stem deformation, and also minimizes moisture loss. This is especially important for long transports as properly cut roses withstand transportation better and stay fresh longer. Research shows that proper cutting at the budding stage can reduce losses by 20% and increase customer satisfaction. Timely cut buds will open at the final buyer's location, giving the flowers a more attractive appearance and increasing their commercial value.

Preparation of Roses for Transportation

Proper Stem Trimming

After cutting, each rose stem needs to be trimmed at an angle 2-3 cm from the base. This increases the surface area for water and nutrient absorption, which is especially important for long transportation. The trimming should be done with a sharp pruner to avoid crushing the stem pores, which can impede water absorption. Studies conducted at the University of Florida have shown that proper trimming increases water absorption by 15%.

Treating Stems with Special Solutions

To prevent bacterial contamination, rose stems should be dipped in disinfectant solutions. These solutions contain substances that prevent the development of putrefactive bacteria and fungi, significantly increasing the lifespan of the flowers. In some cases, solutions with added glucose or vitamin C are used to nourish the plants and help maintain their freshness. Using solutions with glucose and vitamin C can reduce bacterial contamination cases by 30%.

Packing and Transportation

Different Packing Methods

There are two main methods for packing roses for transportation: the dry method and the method using water. In the dry method, roses are placed in tight boxes without water, reducing the risk of bud and leaf damage. The method using water involves placing the stems in small containers of water, helping to maintain their freshness throughout the journey.

Using Refrigerated Containers

To maintain the optimal temperature during rose transportation, refrigerated containers are used. These containers keep a stable temperature of +2 to +4°C, slowing down the aging process and reducing the respiration rate of the plants. This is particularly important for long-distance transport, such as international air shipments.

Proper Box Placement

Boxes of roses should be neatly placed inside the container to avoid mechanical damage. The flowers should not tilt or turn over as this can lead to bud and stem damage. Ensure that the boxes are not tightly packed to each other to allow air circulation.

The Importance of Humidity and Ventilation

Maintaining high humidity (about 80-90%) and good ventilation in the containers is crucial for keeping roses fresh. High humidity prevents moisture loss from the plants, and ventilation helps avoid ethylene buildup, which accelerates the aging process of flowers. Regular airing of the containers and using humidifiers can significantly extend the lifespan of roses during transport.

Temperature Regime

Optimal Temperatures at Each Stage

The temperature regime is a critical factor in the transportation and storage of roses. The optimal temperature for roses at all stages of transport — from the plantation to the warehouse and store — is +2...+4°C. This range helps slow down the metabolic processes in the flowers, allowing them to stay fresh and attractive longer.

Influence of Temperature Fluctuations and How to Avoid Them

Temperature fluctuations can significantly affect the quality of roses. Sudden changes in temperature cause stress in plants, which can lead to wilting or bud damage. To avoid this, it is important to follow these measures:

Gradual temperature transition. When moving roses from one temperature regime to another, it should be done gradually. This minimizes plant stress and prevents bud wilting.

Using refrigerators. Transporting roses in refrigerated containers maintains a stable temperature throughout the transportation process. This prevents sudden temperature fluctuations and helps keep flowers fresh for a long time.

Temperature monitoring. Constant control and monitoring of the temperature inside containers and warehouses helps to promptly identify and address problems. Using temperature sensors and automatic temperature control systems can significantly improve the conditions for storing and transporting roses.

Precooling. Precooling is an important step in preparing roses for transportation. This process involves quickly cooling the flowers to the optimal temperature immediately after cutting. Precooling helps slow down metabolic processes and reduce plant respiration, extending their lifespan. It can be done using air or hydro coolers.

Vacuum cooling. Vacuum cooling is a highly effective method for quickly lowering the temperature of cut flowers. In this process, the flowers are placed in a vacuum chamber where heat is quickly removed from them by evaporating water at low pressure. This method allows for even cooling of the flowers, preventing bud and leaf damage. Vacuum cooling is especially useful for large batches of flowers intended for long transportation.

These recommendations help wholesale buyers and florists effectively manage the process of transporting and storing roses, ensuring high product quality and customer satisfaction. Cargo Flowers organizes transportation in a gentle mode with the ability to monitor it.

Hygiene and Tool Treatment

The Importance of Clean Tools and Work Surfaces

Clean tools and work surfaces are critically important when working with roses and other cut flowers. Dirty tools can become a source of bacteria and fungi that quickly spread and spoil the flowers. Maintaining cleanliness prevents disease development and keeps flowers fresh for a longer period. Studies have shown that regular disinfection of tools and work surfaces significantly reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and increases the lifespan of cut flowers.

Regular Disinfection and Water Replacement

The water used for storing and transporting flowers should be regularly replaced. It is important to use clean, disinfected water with added biocides to prevent microorganism growth. Bacteria and fungi present in contaminated water can clog stem vessels, hindering water and nutrient absorption, leading to rapid flower wilting. It is recommended to change the water every 2-3 days and thoroughly wash containers before filling them with fresh water.

Feeding and Watering Roses

The Role of Nutrient Solutions Before and After Transportation

Nutrient solutions play an important role in maintaining the freshness of roses before and after transportation. These solutions contain essential micronutrients and sugars that nourish the plants and help maintain their decorative properties. Nutrient solutions typically include glucose and vitamin C, which help restore the freshness of flowers after transportation and extend their lifespan.

Proper Watering and Methods to Prevent Air Block Formation

Watering cut roses should be thorough and regular. When cutting stems, it is important to cut them underwater to prevent air block formation, which can block stem vessels and hinder water absorption. Using solutions with a low pH and biocides helps prevent bacterial growth and improves water absorption by the stems.

Tips for Florists and Wholesale Buyers

How to Store Roses in the Shop

Roses should be stored at a temperature of +2...+5°C and a relative humidity of about 80-90%. This helps slow down metabolic processes in the flowers, allowing them to stay fresh longer. It is important to avoid temperature fluctuations and maintain stable storage conditions.

Caring for Roses Before Selling to the Final Buyer

Regular trimming of stems and replacing water in vases are key aspects of caring for roses before selling them to the final buyer. Trim the stems every 2-3 days to improve water absorption and remove wilted leaves and flowers to prevent bacterial growth. The water in the vases should be clean and contain nutrient solutions.

Ways to Extend the Life of Roses in a Vase

To extend the life of roses in a vase, it is recommended to use fresh, settled water and add special nutrient solutions for flowers. Regular spraying of roses helps maintain their humidity and freshness. Roses should be kept in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight and drafts.

Conclusion

By following the above recommendations, it is possible to significantly extend the lifespan of roses during wholesale transportation and storage, maintaining their freshness and attractive appearance. Adhering to the correct temperature regime, hygiene, packaging, and stem treatment will help minimize losses and increase customer satisfaction. These tips will help wholesalers and florists effectively manage the process of transporting and storing roses, ensuring high product quality and customer satisfaction.