FOR INSTRUCTOR Students will be able to… Understand cut flowers, and their importance in Californian agriculture Learn how to properly handle and care fresh cut flower Know the basic equipment used in cut flower production Focus on harvest and post harvest techniques for cut roses Introduction to floral arrangement Learn about possible SAE’s, CDE’s, and possible jobs in cut flower industry Ornamental Horticulture Pathway: F11.3 Handle, prepare, and arrange cut flowers appropriately

CUT IT OUT! KARINA SALOMON

STANDARD: F11.3 HANDLE, PREPARE, AND ARRANGE CUT FLOWERS APPROPRIATELY.

TODAY’S OBJECTIVES Understand what cut flowers are California cut flower production How to properly handle and care for cut flowers Essential equipment and nutrients needed fresh cut flowers How to harvest roses and post harvest care How to create floral arrangements

WHAT ARE CUT FLOWERS? Flowers cut with the flower head, stem, and foliage used for decorative purposes Used for vase arrangements, wedding flowers, garlands, etc. Not intended for a long period use, like a potted plants NOT attached to their root system The cultivation and management of ornamental plants is called Floriculture

CALIFORNIA CUT FLOWERS California grows 75% of domestic cut flowers Over 250 cut flower growers in CA Grower’s expenses create19,000 jobs and $2.4 million per day in salaries and wages

HANDLING AND CARE Keep it clean! Sanitize your equipment prior to use, i.e. clippers, buckets, knives, etc. Make sure clippers or knives are sharp, dull tools will cause harm to the stems and reduce water uptake Check quality of flower before harvest. What happens if you harvest a poor quality flower? Which is better? Morning or afternoon harvests?

PREPARING FOR HARVEST What you will need: Clipper or knife Bucket big enough for cut roses (18”) Cart Labeling equipment Gloves Fresh flower food!

FRESH FLOWER FOOD Provides a food source needed for respiration Contains sugars used to manufacture food to replace those lost through respiration The acidic solution reduces bacteria Comes in liquid and powder form

HARVESTING CUT FLOWERS (ROSES) What to look for: Stage of the flower Outer petals to be furled Throat of flower should be slightly opened Quality of the flower Make sure it’s a healthy flower! No diseases and no pests

HARVESTING CUT FLOWERS (ROSES) Roses are needy! Must be harvested twice a day everyday Cut one inch about the node Place in your bucket with water and flower food Get to a cooler as soon as possible. Remove foliage so it is not touching the water

POST HARVEST CARE Store flowers in the correct temperature! A lower temperature slows the respiration rate of flower Store between degrees F Lower temperatures, the slower the flowers will open Change water 2-3 days if necessary

ARRANGEMENT

SO WHAT? Cut flower SAESummer jobFloral CDE