POST PRODUCTION QUALITY OF BEDDING PLANTS

By,

Janelle Werk

 

Many people use bedding plants to enhance the look of their homes and yards.

 

Bedding plants are a common use in landscapes.  The post-production quality of these plants, is a very important factor in the floriculture industry.

 

The number one factor in determining if the plants will be saleable or not is the procedure that was followed before the flowers entered retail sale.  It has been estimated that about 20% of the flowers have become unsaleable or damaged when in retail.  Many people believe it is because of the way the plants were cared for before they entered the retail.

 

The greenhouse environment is where the plants are grown. When they leave the greenhouse they become under stress.  The grower needs to prepare the plants for the complications of the post-production environment.

 

The plants need to be planted so they are at their peak quality when it is time for them to be shipped. You do not want them to become overgrown.  If they are overgrown they become stretched out and unsaleable very quickly.

 

Container size is important in keeping the plant materials at their peak.   A large pot retains more water for a longer time than the smaller containers.

 

Water and fertilizers are required at high levels in the greenhouse.  This will produce adequate growth.  However, do not overuse either one of these.  If so you will develop soft, succulent growth that will die quickly when placed out in retail.  The rates of fertilizer that should be given to the plants will fluctuate depending on the plants growth rate.  There should be an application of fertilizer right before shipping, however reduce the rate to ½ of the normal rate.  Also right before shipping do not water the plants as frequently so they are ready for a stressful environment.

 

Growth retardants make the plants more appealing to the eye.  They also help the plant in handling stress, such as moisture stress.

 

Nutrient deficiencies, insects and diseases or physiological disorders can reduce the crop quality.

 

High light intensity is required for good healthy plants.  Plants grown in low light intensity will be soft and have low carbohydrate levels, which is undesirable to customers.

Growers control the temperature by regulating day/night temperatures.  Reducing night temperatures has been known to increase the life expectancy of bedding plants.  This should be done when you can see the flower bud.  However, this is not true of all species.  Tropical plants cannot handle low temperatures.  I have divided the plants into two different categories (Table 1).

 

Table 1

Tolerance of Bedding Plants to Cool Night Temperatures

50 to 55F

58 to 62F

Ageratum

Begonia

Alyssum

Celosia

Calendula

Coleus

Dianthus

Impatiens

Marigold

Pepper

Pansy

Tomato

Perennials

Vinca

Petunia

Zinnia

Phlox

 

Salvia

 

Snapdragon

 

Torenia

 

 

                    

If these strategies are followed the post-production of your crop will have better quality and longevity.  Toning before the plants are put into retail along with production planning will enhance the quality of the crop that both retailers and customers will like.

 

 

References           

http://www.ashs.org/events/ashs99/sessions/ps6.html

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/1000/1235.html