For those amongst us who endure the winter season through gritted teeth, there comes a magical time, the vernal equinox, the point at which the periods of daylight and nigh time are equal, which marks the official end to winter and the anticipatingly awaited arrival of spring.

Although this comfortingly consistent celestial change is cause for celebration, it also kicks off a period of celebrations for many faiths and cultures around the world, such as Easter, Passover, Holi, Nowruz and Songkran. Regardless of how you celebrate the arrival of spring and its many festivals, flowers, and especially Lisianthus, make the perfect addition to any gathering.

With their elegant & ethereal blooms, Lisianthus are the perfect floral companion to any seasonal spring bouquet or arrangement. Whether you’re looking for a bright splash of color, or some simple fresh, clean lines, there is a perfect Lisianthus stem for each.

Lisianthus are available in shades of white, pink, purple, bi-color and even green! Making them one of the most versatile stems. Add to this their beautiful cup shaped flowers, which many mistake for ranunculus or even roses, and you’ve got a flower which lends itself to many different styles.

Despite their delicate appearance, Lisianthus are tough cookies, and can have a vase-life to rival any alstroemeria if treated right.

Lisianthus Care and Handling Tips

Purchasing

• Choose stems with 1 – 3 flowers open.
• Avoid any stems with leaf yellowing.

Shipping and Storage

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and stored wet if possible.

Re-hydration At Store Level and Storage

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• Remove any leaves that are below the flower food solution.
• 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.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed solutions (Flower Food and water) containing either FloraLife Chrystal 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 with a relative humidity of 75-85%
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

Vase Care

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (Flower Food and water) containing FloraLife Chrystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

Common Defects

• Botrytis can develop on leaves if stems are packed together too tightly. Always allow enough space for air to flow around the stems.
• Stem bending – flowers are geotropic and should be shipped and stored upright in bucket solutions.
• Flowers not opening.
• Foliage yellowing.

Special Considerations:

• Some varieties can be ethylene sensitive, leading to poor opening, premature wilting, and leaf yellowing. Treating with an ethylene action inhibitor treatment such as EthylBloc™ or FloraLife® EthylGuard can help these varieties.
• Other causes for poor opening can be product age (stored too long) or storing dry for long periods.
• Color fade on blooms can be due to improper use of flower food or exposure to intense light sources.
• Studies show the benefits of storage in solutions containing higher sugar levels for this reason, wholesalers and retailers might consider storing flowers in FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300 or even FloraLife® 300.
• Studies report that wet storage improves vase life and bud development.

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