36 CIRCULAR 2 7 8, U. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE 



CUT FLOWERS 



Most cut flowers are benefited by a freshening period of a few hours 

 in water at about 50° F. immediately after being cut. Cold-storage 

 rooms for the holding of cut flowers for short periods are operated 

 mainly by wholesale florists in the large cities. The temperatures 

 given in this section are recommended to insure a reasonably long life 

 for flowers after their removal from storage. 



Cut flowers in storage should be kept with the stems in water. 

 They should not be crowded in the containers because of the danger 

 of mechanical injury and the decay that may result because of lack 

 of ventilation. In most cases care should be taken not to spill water 

 on the blooms since these usually discolor quite readily. 



Chrysanthemums {Chrysanthemum hortorum) and gladioluses 

 (Gladiolus spp.) may be stored at 35° F. for 2 weeks and usually 

 remain very salable. Longer storage is possible, though frequently 

 not practicable. These flowers are usually tied in bunches of 12 

 and 25, respectively, but are not wrapped when placed in storage. 

 Pompons, however, are sold in bunches of various sizes. 



As a rule the proper cutting stage for the large-flowering types 

 of chrysanthemums is just after the green color in the center of the 

 flower has disappeared. No general rule can be given for pompons, 

 since several varieties, especially some of those in the anemone group, 

 need more development on the plant than the single varieties. 



Gladioluses should be cut when three or four of the lower buds 

 show color and are partly opened. For distant shipments before 

 storage the flowers should show color but should be in the tight-bud 

 stage. 



Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), common peony (Paeonia offici- 

 nalis), Chinese peony (P. albiflora), Speciosum lily (i. speciosum), 

 Regal lily (L. regale), and goldband lily (L. auratum) can be held at 

 35° F. for comparatively long periods, although 30 days is usually 

 the maximum storage period. The lilies in this group should be cut 

 for storage when the corolla is about one-half opened, or just before 

 the tips begin to reflex. Lilies forced at relatively high temperatures 

 should be kept at a temperature of about 50° for a preliminary period 

 of about 24 hours before being put at 35°. Peonies showing color in 

 the tight-bud stage may be stored at 35° for a month or more, but they 

 seldom give satisfaction for decorative purposes without special 

 handling; in the loose-bud stage they may be held satisfactorily for 

 10 days. 



The cut blooms of callas (Zantedeschia aethiopica and Z. elliottiana) 

 may be stored when fresh for as long as 10 days at 40° F., and will be 

 in good condition upon removal. Calla blooms should be gathered 

 just before the spathe shows signs of curling downward. Callas that 

 have been subjected to hard forcing should be held for about 24 hours 

 at a temperature of 50° previous to storage at 40°. When the blooms 

 are gathered they should be pulled, not cut, otherwise the stems will 

 split at the cut ends and curl after a few days in storage. The pulling 

 method separates the stem .from the rhizome, leaving no useless ap- 

 pendage. Although the blooms are sometimes removed from the plant 

 by cutting, the stub left on the plant will probably rot and thus may 

 serve as a place of entrance for disease organisms. Pulling, however, 

 is much easier with potted callas than with those planted in beds or 

 benches. Callas intended for storage should be tied at the bottom 



