Known by most as Scabious, this delicate looking wildflower actually grows in quite rugged terrain in the wild.  From clinging to a rocky cliff face in the Alps, to basking in dry Mediterranean scrubland, this plucky little flower adds beauty to any locale.

Native to Europe, Asia and Africa and related to Honeysuckle, this nectar rich plant is a hit with insects too. Like the members of the daisy family, Scabious heads are not single flowers, but rather a collection of small florets.

Despite its delicate appearance, Scabious can be quite long lasting in the vase if treated correctly, especially the new varieties that are being developed by Danziger. It can be grown as a perennial, but most stems grown for cut flowers are from annual plants.

If you find the name slightly unattractive, you’re not alone. Historically Scabious has been used as a herbal remedy to treat sores, especially during the plague, but other sources claim it as a cure for a specific ailment which causes itching.

PURCHASING

• Scabious can be Ethylene sensitive. 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 stems with heads showing color and the first whorl of florets starting to open.

HYDRATION

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.® cleaner.
• 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 (34 – 38° F).

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

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

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL AND STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with 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 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 Scabiosa 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.

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.
• Florets dropping prematurely – may be associated with ethylene sensitivity.

Special Considerations:

• Some varieties can be ethylene sensitive, leading to poor opening, premature wilting, and leaf yellowing. Treating with an ethylene inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or EthylGuard to protect against exposure can help these varieties.
• Other causes for poor vase life can be product age (stored too long) or storing dry for long periods.
• A flower food holding solution increased vase life of Scabiosa.

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