Freezing Weather and Fresh Flowers . . .

A broken stem of blooms left outside in 22-degree temperatures!!

It is very important to keep fresh flowers from extreme freezing temperatures. When processing flowers for Christmas arrangements this week, I put the flowers outside with the temperature around 40 degrees. This was the temperature of our coolers in the shop. I cut the stems of flowers underwater with warm water. I then allow them to drink in a warm place for about 24 hours. After 24 hours, I place them in an area with temperatures around 40 degrees. This stem of alstroemeria broke just below the blooms and fell to the ground. The next morning, I found them covered with ice.

Many people do not realize how often flowers encounter ice. Lots do not see the effect of ice on floral blooms. Flowers are delivered in refrigerated containers. The delivery may be by trucks or airplanes. I have seen flowers being delivered from areas where the refrigeration malfunctioned. While often the cargo will get hot there is also the occasion when the cargo will freeze. When the flowers begin to thaw, it may take days for the effects to become visible. 

​Flowers that have been properly processed and conditioned can last over a week before beginning to wilt. But flowers that have been frozen, not only will wilt but also lose all coloring and turn brown quickly.  This example of the broken stem of alstroemeria took 2 days to turn brown!

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