Dry-storing certain types of flowers, such a gladiolus, can save money and reduce shrink if the inventory is properly managed.
Buying fresh flowers in bulk can save money — but only if a florist can sell the stems and minimize shrink. In the September/October issue of Floral Management, James M. DelPrince, Ph.D., AAF, AIFD, PFCI, offers advice on how to dry-store certain types of flowers for up to two weeks.
“This holding technique enables florists to purchase large quantities of flowers, often at a less expensive price, and experience minimal stem losses,” DelPrince says.
This technique only works with bulb and bulb-type crops, such as tulips or gladiolus, that are held between 33 and 36 degrees F and kept dry, DelPrince says. He recommends storing them in paper packaging to help prevent fungal growth. Another crucial element to success is implementing a sales strategy to sell the flowers.
“The shop’s flower processors must keep tabs on inventory to be sure flowers are continually ready for sale and that dry-stored flowers are processed and sold within one to two weeks,” DelPrince says.
He offered these recommendations to manage dry-stored inventory:
- Gradually remove portions of the dry-stored flowers for hydration and use in floral designs.
- Keep track of inventory levels. Doing so will avoid over-ordering flowers and ensure that there are enough flowers on hand to meet demand.
- Rotate inventory. This will help ensure that all of flowers are fresh and ready for sale.
- Offer discounts on flowers that are nearing the end of their vase life, which will reduce waste and increase sales.
For more on the benefits and strategies of dry-holding flowers, read “Care and Handling 101: Short-Term Holding” in the September/October issue of Floral Management.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
