How Flower Companies Keep Flowers Fresh and Unbloomed During Transportation
Transporting flowers from farms to customers is a meticulous process that ensures blooms arrive fresh, vibrant, and often still unbloomed to preserve their longevity. Flower companies employ a combination of scientific methods, specialized equipment, and strategic handling practices to achieve this. Here’s an in-depth look at the steps involved:
1. Harvesting at the Right Stage
Optimal Cut Stage: Flowers are harvested just before they fully bloom. This stage is called the "bud stage," which ensures they can bloom fully after delivery.
Time of Day: Flowers are often harvested early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, reducing stress and preserving their freshness.
2. Post-Harvest Treatment
Hydration: Immediately after harvesting, stems are immersed in water or nutrient solutions to rehydrate them and prevent wilting.
Floral Preservatives: A solution containing sugar (for energy), acidifiers (to maintain pH), and biocides (to prevent bacterial growth) is often used to extend the flower's shelf life.
Conditioning: Some flowers are placed in cold storage with treatments like silver thiosulfate, which inhibits ethylene, a gas that accelerates blooming and wilting.
3. Pre-Cooling
Flowers are rapidly cooled after harvesting to remove field heat and slow down their respiration rate.
Methods used:
Forced-Air Cooling: Cold air is forced through the flower packages.
Hydrocooling: Flowers are immersed in cold water.
Pre-cooling ensures that flowers remain dormant during transportation.
4. Packaging
Protective Wrapping: Flowers are wrapped in materials like plastic or paper sleeves to prevent physical damage and dehydration.
Boxes with Ventilation: Flowers are packed in specially designed cardboard boxes that allow air circulation while protecting the blooms.
Humidity Packs: Moisture-retaining pads or gel packs may be included to maintain humidity.
5. Temperature Control
Cold Chain Management: The entire supply chain, from farm to customer, is kept at a temperature of 33-35°F (1-2°C), which slows down metabolic processes.
Refrigerated Transportation: Trucks, planes, and storage facilities are refrigerated to maintain optimal conditions.
Avoiding Freezing: Care is taken to ensure flowers don’t freeze, as it can cause cell damage.
6. Ethylene Management
Ethylene Gas Prevention: Ethylene gas, emitted by fruits and decaying plants, accelerates flower aging. Flowers are kept away from such sources during transportation.
Ethylene Absorbers: Some companies use ethylene scrubbers or sachets that absorb the gas and extend freshness.
7. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Oxygen levels are reduced, and carbon dioxide levels are increased in the packaging to slow respiration.
This technique helps keep flowers in a dormant state longer, delaying blooming.
8. Handling and Shipping
Gentle Handling: Flowers are handled with care to avoid bruising, which can lead to decay.
Vertical Shipping: Stems are often kept upright during transport to prevent bending or crushing.
Efficient Logistics: Flowers are shipped quickly to minimize time spent out of optimal conditions.
9. Retail Storage and Delivery
Cold Storage at Retailers: Upon arrival, flowers are stored in coolers at florists or distribution centers.
Hydration Before Delivery: Flowers are rehydrated and sometimes cut again to ensure they remain fresh during final delivery.
Temperature-Controlled Last-Mile Delivery: Many companies use refrigerated vans or insulated packaging for home deliveries.
10. Customer Care
Instructions for Unpacking: Customers receive instructions to cut stems, use flower food, and keep arrangements away from heat and direct sunlight.
Timely Delivery: Flowers are often delivered within a specific window to ensure they’re in peak condition for their intended use.
Flower delivery advice
By meticulously managing temperature, hydration, and packaging at every step, flower companies ensure that blooms arrive fresh and ready to dazzle. These practices, based on scientific principles and industry expertise, allow flowers to retain their beauty and bloom at just the right moment for customers.
