Care and Handling

ETHYLENE

Ethylene is an odourless, tasteless, and invisible natural plant hormone that affects many plant processes, including flower aging.

Ethylene reduces the life of the flower or plant. Common sources of ethylene are ripening fruit, ripening flowers, vehicle emissions, decaying plant material, cigarette smoke, and propane powered warehouse equipment. Flowers need ethylene to mature, and we try to reduce or remove it from their environment so they will not mature.

To reduce ethylene damage:

  • Store flowers in a cooler. This reduces the metabolic activity of the flower and reduces ethylene production.
  • Remove garbage and leaves from cooler and work areas. Decaying materials are often the number one ethylene producer.
  • Do not store food or lunches in your floral cooler.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Minimize exhaust from delivery vehicles when loading and unloading.
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