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Supplemental care
and marketing tips: The appearance of pinkish
coloration some non pink cultivars can indicate either old flowers
or, more commonly, that they were grown at too Iow temperatures.
Certain microorganisms normally associated with carnations can reduce
the vase life of chrysanthemums when both flowers are held in a
common solution. Bud- harvested flowers--or flowers that were not
intended to be bud harvested, but are too tight--can be opened in
fresh-flower solutions at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit under 16 hours
per day of normal room intensity light. The bottom portion of some
mum stems can be woody: make sure these stems are cut above this
woody tissue in order to facilitate water uptake, delay wilting
and extend end-user life. On average, 25 percent of the potential
life of this flower species is lost in the marketing channel from
grower through retailer.
Botanical name:
Chrysanthemum x morifolium
Genus pronunciation: kris-AN-the-mum
Common relatives: Feverfew, gerbera, lettuce, endive and
sunflower
Botanical fun facts:
Chrysanthemum is Greek for "golden flower." This species
has been renamed Dendranthema grandiflora (den-DRAN-the-ma).
Ethylene sensitive:
It is not ethylene sensitive.
Storage temperature
(three days or fewer):
36-38 degrees Fahrenheit
Storage temperature
(more than three days):
32-34 degrees Fahrenheit
Purchasing hints:
Educate workers and customers to accept flowers that are from two
thirds to three quarters open as these flowers will last longer
than tighter harvested ones.
End-user life:
7 - 14 plus days
Special concerns:
The main postharvest problems are premature foliage yellowing, wilting
and the failure of the flowers to fully open. Yellow foliage is
cultivar specific and is caused by poor production, excessive or
improper storage and fresh-flower food solutions used at higher
than recommended concentrations. Harvesting too early often results
in the failure of flowers to open.
Care and Handling
information is from the "Flower and Plant Care Manual",
Written by George Staby, Ph.D., Used with the permission of publisher,
The Society of American Florists, 1601 Duke St., Alexandria, VA.
22314-3406.
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