Anemones, also known as wind flowers, due to their name being derived from the Greek word for wind ‘Anemos’. According to mythology, the anemone flower was created when Aphrodite’s mortal lover, Adonis, was killed and from the spot where her tears fell to the ground, an anemone emerged. You can still observe vast waves of wild anemones in the White Mountains of West Crete.

Anemones belong to the family Ranunculaceae, and are related to Poppies, Delphinium, Aquilegia and Clematis just to name a few. In fact, many of the ornamental garden plants we admire are found in the Ranunculaceae family.

Although there are many different species of Anemone, the most commonly grown species for cut flower production is Anemone Coronia. Blooming mostly in mid-spring, these delicate blooms come in shades of red, blue, purple and white which are born on relatively short stems. Anemone flowers open in the warmth and in daylight, and close up when in cold and in dark conditions, so bear this in mind when purchasing and displaying your flowers.

PURCHASING

• Anemones can be ethylene sensitive, leading to petal shatter and a shortened vase life if left untreated. Insist that your supplier treats with an ethylene inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or EthylGuard to protect against exposure. Do not store or display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene.
• Choose strong stems with flowers closed or just beginning to open, although be aware that flowers will close naturally when in cold and dark conditions.
• Inspect for bruising.

HYDRATION

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.^®
• Cut stems about 1 – 2 inches before placing in a flower food solution such as Floralife® Express.
• Remove any leaves that are below the flower food solution.
• Hydrate in chilled solution in the flower cooler at 34 – 38° F.

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and packaged to minimize damage in transit.
• Anemones are susceptible to stem bending and may benefit from upright shipment.

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL AND STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.^®
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with Floralife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food solution such as Floralife Crystal Clear®, or Floralife® Express 300. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Anemones or any other flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If flowers are dry packed, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with Floralife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solutions containing Floralife Crystal Clear® or Floralife® Express 300.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and fruits.

Common Defects

• Petals shatter – associated with ethylene sensitivity.
• Relatively short vase life (3-8 days).
• Leaf yellowing – may benefit from bulb specific flower foods.
• Stem bending – may benefit from upright shipping.
• Prone to water stress – dry shipped flowers should be processed immediately into holding solution.

Special Considerations

• Anemones are ethylene sensitive, leading to petal shatter, and shortened vase life. Treating with an ethylene inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or EthylGuard to protect against exposure can help prevent these issues.
• Other causes for poor vase life can be cut stage, product age (stored too long) or storing dry for long periods.
• Do not require high sugar – can use holding solutions.
• Susceptible to stem burn in floral foam – use OASIS® Floral Foam Maxlife with Floralife® Stem Protect
• Sap may be irritating to skin

To learn more about best practices from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com