Growing conditions: light, temperature, relative humidity, fertilization and crop protection have a marked effect on the quality of flowers once they have been harvested.

Post-harvest conditions: temperature and humidity in particular, determine whether the cut flower will be delivered to the consumer in good condition after the harvest. Higher temperatures promote flower development. Humidity plays a direct role in the condensation process and wide fluctuations in this and temperature promotes the growth of the fungus Botrytis. Using the most suitable post-harvest treatment for each flower type is one of the measures needed to get the flowers through the distribution chain intact.

Hygiene: poor hygiene measures promote the development of micro-organisms, which cause the vase water to become cloudy, dirty and ultimately four smelling.

Distribution / transport time: Cut flowers come from all corners of the world and are shipped across huge distances, whether by road, air or sea. Climate control, good packaging, appropriate post-harvest treatments and speed are very important in conserving the quality of cut flowers and foliage.

Source: www.chrysal.com