By Emma Bradford, FloraLife UK
With all the beauty of a standard rose, but in miniature and en masse, it’s no wonder that spray roses are one of the most popular cut flowers.
Their diminutive size not only makes them ideal for corsages and wedding bouquets, but their sheer number per stem allows them to be a perfect focal flower in large arrangements too. Add to this the vast color assortment they are available in, from soft pastels to vibrant reds, oranges and purples, and you are bound to find the perfect spray rose for your aesthetic.
Often used to create an ethereal cottage garden look, spray roses can also hold their own when paired with tropicals, or other equally dramatic flowers.
Another key aspect of spray roses is the mix of flower opening stages present on one stem. As the flowers develop and mature from the base of the stem up, each stem will always have a mix of flowers from fully open flowers to tight buds adding to the visual interest this flower offers.
So, if you haven’t discovered the beauty and versatility of spray roses yet, don’t delay and add them to your arsenal pronto.
Spray Roses Care and Handling Tips
Purchasing
• Spray roses can be ethylene sensitive. Source from growers which treat stems with an ethylene action inhibitor.
• Choose stems with flowers opening at a minimum of opening stage 3. Trials have shown that spray roses which are harvested at a more open cut stage perform better during vase life. In some growing regions this is known as the ‘American’ cut stage.
Shipping and Storage
• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and packaged to minimize damage in transit due to open cut stage.
Re-hydration 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 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 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 with clean, sanitized clippers or knife. Then treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solutions 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 FloraLife® 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.
For more information, click here:
https://floralife.com/flowers/roses-spray/
https://floralife.com/article/rose-spray-troubleshooting/
https://floralife.com/flower-library-for-retailers/
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