Cut Flower Care and Handling: Lisianthus

lisianthusLooking for useful tips for the postharvest processing of many different varieties of cut flowers? Then check out the newly expanded Flower Care and Handling section of the Floralife website. Wholesaler, retailer, enthusiast – there’s something for everybody. Let’s go down the list! Today’s star is the Lisianthus!

The Lisianthus, known as Texas bluebell, Prairie gentian, Poor man’s rose and Lira de San Pedro, is native to the Continental US. The Lisianthus comes in a variety of colors including purple, pink, green, and white.

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

For the Grower: Harvest when at least 2 flowers are open. There is literature that suggests the use of an anti-ethylene product such as EthylBloc Technology may help open more flowers. After cutting, hydrate with Hydraflor® 100 hydrating treatment. You can also try Floralife® Quick Dip 100 hydrating treatment under normal conditions. This one second dip helps to increase water uptake for all flowers. Then, transfer stems to a solution of Floralife® 200 storage and transport treatments. More details at the original article.

For the Wholesaler/Retailer:

When buying: The Lisianthus is slightly ethylene sensitive, so check to see if they have been pretreated with an anti-ethylene product, such as EthylBloc Technology. Also, find out about the source of the Lisianthus? What is the cultivar name? Has the product been stored dry or wet?

Buy Lisianthus stems that have 1 – 3 blooms open. Do not buy Lisianthus which have leaf yellowing.

Processing/Pre-treatment: Remove foliage below solution level. Recut stems. After cutting, hydrate with Floralife’s Hydraflor® 100 to promote water uptake. OR, try Floralife® Quick Dip 100 instant hydrating treatment.

Holding Solution: Use fresh flower food at the recommended rate, including Flower Food 300, Floralife® 200 or Floralife® Clear 200, Floralife® Clear ULTRA 200 or Special Blend 300 storage treatment solutions. More details at the original article.

That’s a quick preview of Floralife’s Lisianthus Care and Handling article. You will find more information at the original piece, including discussions on vase life, storage temperatures, and customer satisfaction tips and troubleshooting advice, so take a look! Are you a fan of the Lisianthus, as a professional or an enthusiast? Let us know in the comments section!