Just like a rose ‘mini me’, spray roses offer all the beauty of a standard rose but on a charming smaller scale. What they lack in size however, they make up for in numbers. Rather than sporting one single large flower per stem, spray roses develop an inflorescence of many miniatures, perfectly formed rose buds, making them perfect for large romantic bouquets and delicate corsages alike.

Spray roses belong to the family Rosaceae, and like standard roses are related to peaches, plums, cherries and strawberries just to name a few. In fact, spray roses and standard roses are not only in the same family, but they belong to the same genus and in some cases the same species.

The biggest difference between standard roses and spray roses, the number of flowers per stem, is not only the spray rose’s most attractive feature but it’s also what makes spray roses a challenging crop to work with. Because each inflorescence consists of flowers at different maturity stages this can lead to immature buds failing to open and overall poor performance during vase life.

PURCHASING

• Spray roses 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 flower opening at a minimum of opening stage 3. Trials have shown that spray roses which are harvested at a more open cut stage have a better vase life. In some growing regions this is known as the ‘American’ cut stage.

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 Chrystal Clear®, or Floralife® Express.
• Remove any leaves that are below the flower food solution level.
• Hydrate in chilled solution in a flower cooler at 34 – 38° F.

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be between 34 and 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and packaged to minimize damage in transit due to an open cut stage, ideally in bunches that are protected by wraps.

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 to 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 spray roses or any other flowers.
• Spray roses are susceptible to Botrytis – be sure to remove any stems/flowers exhibiting symptoms of botrytis infection so as not to spread infection to heathy stems.

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 solution containing Floralife Crystal Clear® or Floralife® Express 300.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and ripening produce.

Common Defects:

• 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.