Flowers> Tuberose

Vase Life

Just after removal, the lower end of the spike should be immersed in water for prolonging the life of spikes. The spikes are made ready by removing the unwanted leaves to minimise the transpiration O loss for sending to floral markets. Further, pulsing of spikes at low temperature (10 C), for about four hours with the ends immersed in water, is helpful in prolonging life of spikes to be sent to distant markets.

Grading

The flower spikes are graded according to the stalk length, length of rachis, number of flowers per spike and weight of spike. Straight and strong stem of uniform length and uniform stage of development are preferred. Flowers should be free from bruises and diseases and pests. Florets are graded according to their sizes for loose flowers.

Packaging

Loose flowers of single-flowered tuberose are packed in bamboo baskets covered with wet gunny bags. About 10-15 kg fresh flowers are packed in each basket and transported to the nearby wholesale market where they are sold by weight.

The spikes are packed by wrapping them first in wet newsprint sheets and subsequently in corrugated sheets, making bundles of convenient sizes. Such bundles are finally packed in strong card boxes, which are quite handy.