The ideal storage temperature is 50° F. Storing the flowers at lower temperatures is only a problem when there is a greater danger that condensation will form on them when they are taken out of refrigeration.
During transport:
A new treatment helps to keep Lathyrus in good condition over long distances without the need for the product to be kept in water.This opens up prospects for distant markets. The flowers can absorb water from the Flower Transport Gel (FTG) so that there is no longer any danger of them drying out during longer transport periods. In addition this mode of transport (horizontal in a box rather than vertical in a bucket) saves a huge amount of space. At present many exporters have switched to this mode of transportation.
In the shop:
Lathyrus can not tolerate drying out. So upon arrival diagonally cut the stems and place the flowers in water as quickly as possible.
Always use clean containers and fresh water.
It is important to keep the water level in the containers low, as the water will creep up the hairy stems.This can cause botrytis.
Monitor humidity and condensation levels carefully to avoid botrytis. Keep humidity low, avoid crowding the flowers and keep them out of drafts.
The ideal temperature is 50° F. Storing the flowers at lower temperatures is only a problem when there is a greater danger that condensation will form on them when they are taken out of refrigeration. Once the flowers have been removed from refrigeration for display in the shop, it is best to keep them there rather than returning them to the refrigeration.
In the home:
Lathyrus can not tolerate drying out. Tell customers to diagonally cut the stems and put them in water as quickly as possible.
Always use a clean vase and fresh water which contains a little cut flower food. The use of cut flower food helps the flowers to open fully and it also helps prevent bacterial growth in the water.
It is important to keep the water level in the vase low because the water will creep up the hairy stems.This can cause botrytis.
Replace the water in the vase regularly.
Monitor humidity and condensation levels carefully to avoid botrytis. Keep humidity low, avoid crowding the flowers and keep them out of drafts.
Lathyrus is sensitive to ethylene gas which shortens their vase life. This means that the flowers should be kept away from fruit and out of smoky rooms.
