Cut Flower Care & Handling: Snapdragon

snapdragonAt the Floralife website, we have expanded our Flower Care and Handling section to offer a bunch of useful tips for the postharvest processing of many different varieties of cut flowers. Grower, wholesaler, retailer, enthusiast – there’s something for everybody. Let’s go down the list! Today’s star is Snapdragon!

Snapdragon, also known as Antirrhinum, rabbit’s lips, and lion’s lips, is native to Europe and North America. This ruffled concoction comes in a variety of colors including green, orange, pink, red, white and yellow.

As always, Floralife has some practical Snapdragon care and handling tips for the grower, the wholesaler and the retailer. Here is a preview.

Growers will find a reminder that the Snapdragon is ethylene sensitive, as well as a suggestion to treat with Floralife products such as EthylBloc Technology or EthylGuard 100. Also, be sure to hydrate right away with Hydraflor® 100 hydrating treatment for one hour, then transfer your Snapdragon to one of our storage and transport solutions such as Floralife® 200. More details at the original article.

Wholesaler and Retailers: Ask if the Snapdragon has been treated with ethylene inhibitor, and if they have been stored wet or dry. Make sure each Snapdragon has about 1/3 – 1/2 of its florets open.

Processing: Remove the foliage from lower third of the spike, and leave the rest. Be sure to recut the stems to improve uptake.

Pretreatment: Because of its multiple florets, the Snapdragon will benefit from an additional anti-ethylene treatment such as Floralife’s EthylBloc Technology. Hydrate with Floralife’s Hydraflor® 100 to promote water uptake. OR, try Floralife® Quick Dip 100 instant hydrating treatment.

Holding Solution: Nourish the Snapdragon with the proper mixture of fresh flower food such as Flower Food 300, Floralife® 200 or Floralife® Clear 200, Floralife® Clear ULTRA 200 or Special Blend 300 storage treatment solutions.

That’s a quick preview of Floralife’s Snapdragon Care and Handling article. There is a lot more at the original piece, including discussion on vase life, ethylene sensitivity, storage temperatures and troubleshooting advice, so take a look! Are you a Snapdragon fan? Let us know in the comments section!