STORAGE OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND FLORISTS' STOCKS 49 



One of the chief factors influencing the storage life of cut flowers 

 is temperature. There is no known treatment that is nearly so satisfac- 

 tory in extending the life of cut flowers as is storage at comparatively 

 low temperatures. If the proper temperature is used, inherent quality 

 should not deteriorate appreciably during a short storage period. The 

 temperatures given here are recommended to insure a reasonably long 

 life for flowers after their removal from storage. Cut flowers for 

 which 45° to 50° F. is recommended, when stored at a much lower 

 temperature, may not keep well after removal from storage. Those 

 for which a storage temperature of 33° is recommended will naturally 

 mature more rapidly if stored at any higher temperature. If held at 

 33° they develop slowly. Often the changes in storage are not ap- 

 parent, but the longer the blooms are stored at 33° the shorter will be 

 their life when later they are used for decorations. On the other 

 hand, if short-lived blooms that keep best when held at 40° are stored 

 at 33° they show the effect of the previous adverse conditions after 

 they are placed at ordinary room temperature (70°-75°). 



In case a variety of flowers needs to be stored and only one storage 

 room is available it is suggested that a temperature of 40° be used. 

 The length of time that the blooms are to be stored should always be 

 considered. For a number of items table 8 shows the recommended 

 storage temperature as well as the range in the approximate length 

 of the storage period. 



The effect of humidity on the storage of cut flowers deserves more 

 consideration than it has had in the past. A relative humidity of 

 90 to 95 percent is probably too high in that it may promote mold 

 growth, especially if the blooms are somewhat crowded. At low 

 relative humidity, TO to 75 percent, the petals of certain types of 

 flowers may tend to dry to an undesirable degree. A relative humidity 

 of 80 percent is therefore recommended. It has been noted with cer- 

 tain types of blooms, such as gladiolus, that floret development was 

 faster in a room with a temperature of 36° F. and a high relative 

 humidity than in a room at the same temperature and a lower 

 humidity. 



In constructing a storage room for cut flowers one of the most im- 

 portant considerations is air circulation. To get good air circulation 

 the vases or buckets of flowers should be set on racks arranged so 

 that air can pass through and back of them. Forced but gentle air 

 movement should be provided, but the blooms should not be in a direct 

 draft. The containers should be spaced so that the blooms are not 

 crowded. 



Cut flowers in storage should usually be kept with the stems in 

 water. They should not be crowded in the container because of the 

 danger of mechanical injury and the decay that may result because 

 of insufficient ventilation. In most cases care should be taken not 

 to spill water on the blooms as these usually discolor rather readily. 

 Experiments in which French marigolds and carnations were stored 

 out of water for comparatively long periods have been reported 

 (60, 61). Peonies are known to keep fairly satisfactorily when stored 

 out of water. 



Damage to several kinds of cut flowers when stored in the same 

 room or even in the same building with apples, oranges, pears, and 

 other fruits should be emphasized. Such damage is evidenced by- 

 premature withering or the rapid aging of the blooms and is thought 



