Guide to Harvesting Flowers for Freshness on Flower Farms
Harvesting flowers at the right time and using proper techniques are crucial for ensuring maximum freshness and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how flower farms harvest their blooms to maintain quality.
1. Choosing the Right Time for Harvesting
Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Flowers are best harvested during the cool parts of the day when they are well-hydrated and less stressed.
Growth Stage: The ideal stage of harvest varies by flower type:
Bud Stage: Roses, lilies, and peonies are best cut when the buds are just beginning to open.
Half-Open Stage: Many flowers, like tulips and alstroemeria, should be harvested when partially open.
Fully Open Stage: Some flowers, like sunflowers and zinnias, should be harvested when fully open for immediate display.
2. Tools and Equipment for Harvesting
Sharp, Clean Shears or Knives: Reduces damage to stems and prevents disease transmission.
Clean Buckets and Water: Freshly cut flowers should be placed immediately in clean water to prevent dehydration.
Sanitizing Solutions: Tools and buckets should be regularly sanitized to avoid contamination.
3. Proper Cutting Techniques
Angled Cuts: Stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle to maximize water absorption.
Stem Length: Cutting stems at the appropriate length ensures they fit well in bouquets or arrangements.
Removing Excess Leaves: Leaves that will be submerged in water should be removed to prevent bacterial growth.
4. Immediate Post-Harvest Handling
Hydration: Place flowers in buckets of clean water with floral preservatives to prolong freshness.
Conditioning: Some flowers require special treatments, such as:
Scalding: Dipping stems in hot water to remove air bubbles (used for poppies and daffodils).
Hardening: Keeping flowers in cool water in a dark room for a few hours to increase their lifespan.
Temperature Control: Store flowers in a cool, humid environment (33–38°F or 1–3°C) to slow down wilting.
5. Packaging and Transport
Protective Wrapping: Flowers are wrapped in paper or plastic to prevent damage during transport.
Hydration Packs: Some delicate flowers are transported with water tubes to keep them hydrated.
Temperature Management: Refrigerated transport ensures flowers remain fresh until they reach markets or florists.
6. Special Considerations for Different Flower Types
Bulb Flowers (e.g., Tulips, Daffodils): Continue to grow after cutting; stored upright to prevent bending.
Woody Stems (e.g., Lilacs, Hydrangeas): Benefit from splitting or hammering the stems to increase water uptake.
Delicate Flowers (e.g., Sweet Peas, Anemones): Require extra care in handling and storage to avoid bruising.
By following these best practices, flower farms ensure that their blooms stay fresh, vibrant, and long-lasting from the field to the vase.
