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.
http://www.ashs.org/events/ashs99/sessions/ps6.html
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/1000/1235.html