Perishable goods, or can flowers be stored in the refrigerator

Bouquets are a perishable product that requires careful handling.

Cut plants are best preserved in cool conditions, so in a flower shop they are often placed in special refrigerated display cases.

At home, you can solve the problem using a household refrigeration unit. But this method has its own characteristics.

In this article we will tell you whether it is possible to store flowers in the refrigerator, how to do it correctly and for how long.

Cold storage

For most cut flowering plants The best storage temperature is around +5°C. Under such conditions, they will lose less moisture, and the development process will continue.

Another important indicator is a fairly high percentage of humidity. To raise it, the plants must be moistened using a spray bottle of water.

If it is not possible to isolate the flowers in a separate refrigeration unit from the products, reliable packaging should be used.

What plants are allowed?

Before placing plants in the refrigerator, they need to be prepared. Preparation includes cutting off the lower leaves and trimming the stem.

Water containers must be stable and heavy enough to stand stable. The water should be cool. In such conditions, plants can lie for 5 days or more.

The following flowers can be stored in the refrigerator:

• lilies;
• gerberas;
• tulips;
• lotuses;
• anthuriums;
• chrysanthemums;
• daffodils;
• roses, etc.

Not all bouquet plants can be kept in low temperatures. This option is not suitable, for example, for tropical orchids and other flowers that are sensitive to coolness.

When organizing storage in the refrigerator, all plants should be sorted by type.

How long?

The duration of storing flowers in the refrigerator depends on the freshness of the bouquet and the type of plants. Some last longer, others less, even under the most favorable conditions:

• gerberas – up to 14 days;
• anthuriums – up to 3 weeks;
• cloves – up to 2 weeks;
• roses – up to 3 weeks, etc.

Which is correct?

Florists often use special equipment to preserve flowers. This can be a separately equipped pre-sale storage room, as well as display cases and slides.

At home, it is permissible to use a regular household refrigerator.. To extend the freshness of the bouquet, you need to prepare for storage and ensure the most suitable conditions.

Preparation

Only fresh plants should be placed in the refrigerator for long-term storage. If they have already wilted, such a bouquet will not be able to remain for long. The lower leaves of each plant should be removed. The stem must be trimmed with a sharp tool.

At what temperature?

Low temperatures have a beneficial effect on most types of cut flowers. The best temperature for storage is +5°C.

Low temperature in the place where plants are kept has many advantages:

1. Reduced ethylene production.
2. Slowing down the evaporation of moisture from the flower.
3. Reducing the rate of bacterial growth.
4. Slowing down the opening of buds.
5. Better preservation of flower heads, stems and leaves.

In a household refrigerator, this is approximately the temperature. For better maintenance, it is recommended to avoid temperature changes and not open the door unless absolutely necessary.

Conditions

Some types of flowers are kept cool even without water. These are carnations, chrysanthemums and tulips. But most plants need water. It is advisable to try not to open the refrigerator too often so that the temperature contrast does not affect the plants.

Flower refrigerator

For professional florists, flower refrigeration equipment is a practical device, which allows you to maintain plants until they are sold. The use of special equipment reduces losses and prolongs the freshness of flowers, preserving their presentation.

Commercial flower refrigeration chambers are used by retailers to store and display bouquets and ready-made floral arrangements. Under such conditions, flowers can remain fresh for an average of 7-20 days, depending on the variety and type of plant.

Special equipment is equipped with panoramic windows and LED lighting. Doors can be of different designs. It is also possible to equip it with additional functionality – locks, pollen filters, etc.

This video will tell you about flower refrigerators:

Conclusion

Storing flowers in the refrigerator is a method that florists actively use. This method can also be adopted if it is necessary to preserve plants at home. To do this, it is important to strictly follow the recommendations of professionals.