DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS SHARED BY ALL CUT FLOWERS

Characteristics shared by all cut flowers

1. Generally a very high rate of respiration- when exposed to high temperatures, they easily wilt because of rapid loss of water. Remember, flowers are used to convey emotions of love, care, to someone. It is thus presenting a wilting flower to someone is undesirable and unkind.

2. Very high surface to volume ratio- this makes them susceptible to rapid water loss and wilt is not stored at temperatures that reduce the rate of respiration.

3. Substantial growth and development after harvest. Most flowers are harvested at the tight bud stage therefore they should be handled with care so that this biological process continues unabated in the vase of the customer. The quality of flowers is measured by their ability to continue in the aforementioned process.

4. High sensitivity to mechanical damage, pests and disease- pests like thrips bore pin holes on petals leading to their eventual fall. Diseases like botrytis attack the blooms causing water soaked lesions on them.