by Sharon Mikulinski, Global Marketing Director, FloraLife

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and well, it is time to plan for it! Fresh cut flowers and evergreens are favorite decor staples during this time of year, gracing our holiday celebrations throughout the season and into the new year. When incorporating elements into your floral designs that are not the usual though, such as evergreens or natural branches, giving a little extra love and attention to your care and handling can make all the difference in being sure you’re getting the longest vase life possible and your stems last through the duration of the festivities. Here are a few simple pointers to help keep your greens vibrant.

Evergreens

The base for most holiday designs, take extra care to preserve your evergreens and you may be able to keep them fresh throughout the holiday season.

Fresh & Cool

Buy local when possible and as close to the time you will need them as you can. Store in 34-38-degree cooler until ready to use. Greens can last in dry storage for several weeks when stored at the right temperature and humidity.

Put Your Coat On

Before you begin adding fresh cuts or other adornments, spray on a thin coat of FloraLife® Evergreens Spray for longer-lasting greens. This ready-to-use spray is safe for all evergreens. Drying clear with no pesky residue, this liquid shield aids in holding in moisture, resulting in fewer needles dropping, optimal longevity and longer color vibrancy. Perfect for use with evergreen greens, trees, wreaths, or garlands, it reduces drying, browning, and wilting. There is also a dip application good for use with cut evergreens that are used in arrangements, corsages, boutonnieres, wedding designs, or stand alone as cut tree. After you apply the product, allow 30 minutes drying time at room temperature before decorating, putting into a cooler, or putting stems into a vase.

Environment is everything

Keep fresh cut greens, wreaths, and garlands away from extreme heat, cold and drafts. This will help greens not have to work as hard to stay hydrated.

The Great Outdoors

Displaying evergreens outdoors is naturally easier with cooler temperatures. If you are displaying designs indoors that include lighting be sure to use LED lights which are cooler and avoid using open flame candles whenever possible.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Holly foliage and holly berries add a gorgeous touch to holiday designs but are ethylene sensitive. Make sure that your supplier has treated with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ prior to delivery into your operation and use a hydration solution to prevent desiccation (causes leaves and berries to drop).

Branching out!

Branches add a distinctive seasonal flair to any holiday arrangement. If using in a vase, be sure to thoroughly clean stems that will be below the water line stripping away as much bark as possible. Use pruning shears to give a fresh cut before placing in your vase prepared with flower food.

Persimmons, Pomegranates, and Produce

Incorporating produce like pomegranates, persimmons, or citrus to name just a few is a popular choice because let’s face it, it looks absolutely stunning! However, it is suggested that you wait until the last possible moment to add these accents to your fresh cut flower arrangement if you want them to last through the party. Produce gives off a natural gas called ethylene which acts as a ripening agent, good for produce but bad for cut flowers. Ask that your suppliers ship your flowers from their origin with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBoc™ to help protect your fresh cut flowers.

Want to learn more about FloraLife® Evergreens Spray or any other care and handling products or practices? Visit the flower care experts at Shop.FloraLife.com

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