By Emma Bradford, FloraLife UK
With the vernal equinox behind us, spring is officially here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with Ranunculus. With their masses of delicate satin-like petals, which grow in a wide range of colors from soft pastels to bold reds and purples, Ranunculus are sure to delight anyone who receives them.
Often mistaken for garden roses, due to their similar flower structure, Ranunculus holds an unmistakable air of luxury about them. They were introduced into Europe during the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th century.
The plant family they belong to, Ranunculaceae, is named after them, another sign of their importance and includes other cut flower favorites such as Anemones and Clematis.
In the language of flowers Ranunculus symbolizes charm and beauty, so tell your mom she’s pretty as a flower this Mother’s Day by gifting her a bouquet of colorful Ranunculus.
Ranunculus Care and Handling Tips
Hydration & Storage at Store Level
• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• 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 holding treatment such as FloraLife® Express 200. 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 (1-3° C) 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
• Ranunculus are best hydrated with their protective sleeve intact. Leave stems in their packaging until hydrated.
• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife. If received dry, treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip. Remember to not remove the sleeve yet.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solutions containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® 300 or FloraLife® Express 300.
• Leave stems to hydrate for approximately four hours. Once hydrated, remove sleeve(s) and arrange as desired.
Special Considerations
• Avoid getting water on blooms! Ranunculus are prone to botrytis when blooms are over saturated.
• Ranunculus are ethylene sensitive; insist that your supplier treats with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ to protect against exposure. Do not store or display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene.
• Ranunculus stems tend to be naturally bendy. They rarely grow straight, which adds to their natural aesthetic. But they can be quite delicate as they are hollow. You may find it easier to hold these flowers upside down when handling to prevent breakage.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
For more information, click here:
https://floralife.com/flowers/ranunculus/
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