Cut Flowers Production

Cut flowers are generally grown throughout the Philippines.  The diversity of cut flowers found in the Philippines reflects our rich flora resources.  Some of cut flower growers simply started as hobbyists or plant enthusiasts who later on raised cut flowers professionally because of their great profit potential in local and international markets.

The cut flower industry in our country has a very bright future because of the potential of cut flowers as export products.  The local cut flower industry has been growing due to increased awareness and recognition of high return of investments.

Philippine cut flowers can be classified into the cool-growing type and the warm-growing type.  Cool-growing types are anthuriums, chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, mums, and shastas.  Warm-growing type are birds of paradise, orchids, and sampaguitas.

In cut flower production, the proper selection of the soil will ensure good production of cut flowers.  The ideal soil for cut flowers should have the following qualities: has good aeration, can be easily drained, slightly acidic, high in organic matter, and has a high water-holding capacity.

Most cut flowers are primarily cultivated in the field except for orchids.  Some advanced cut flower raises use greenhouses to cultivate varieties that are out of season.

How to make Cut Flowers

Climatic Requirements

The climatic requirements of cut flowers vary depending on their kind and species.  Some may thrive cool climates, while others in hot climates.  However, some cut flowers can adopt to both cool and hot climates.

Appropriate Place to Plant Cut Flowers

In choosing the appropriate place or site to plant cut flowers, you must consider the following factors:

• Accessible to roads and markets  –  Accessibility to good roads and markets may help in the distribution of cut flowers to buyers and customers.  Buying supplies can be easily done if reliable markets are available within the area, thus good income may be assumed.
• Enough supply of water  –  Water is essential to the growth of cut flowers especially in their early stage.  Make sure that the plantation has ample supply of water.
• Free from hazardous chemicals  –  Cut flowers are very sensitive to any harmful substance.  Make sure that the planting site is flower-friendly.
• Provision of windbreakers  –  Big trees can act as a shield against the strong wind that may cause damage to cut flowers.
• Size or area of plantation  –  Commercial production of cut flowers requires big planting areas.  Make sure that cut flowers will not be overcrowded, which may hamper their growth.
• Sunlight  –  Cut flowers need sufficient sunlight for them to survive.
• Topography of the land  –  Cut flowers should be planted on flat land with a gentle slope, which allows good drainage especially during the rainy season.  They can be grown in beds, pots, or any types of medium.

Sterilization of Soil and Other Media Before Planting

Sterilization of soil and other media before planting cut flowers is very essential.  If sterilized, the soil and the medium protect the plants from soil-borne diseases, pathogens, and pests.  The following are the methods commonly used in sterilizing soil and medium:

1. Sun drying  –  This method is very practical and easy to do.  Just expose the soil and medium to sunlight before using them for planting.
2. Use of chemicals  –  This is done by spraying any recommended insecticide on the soil or medium.
3. Steaming  –  This method effectively kills pathogens by heating the soil to levels that cause protein coagulation or enzyme inactivation.  For the steam to be effective in sterilizing the soil, the soil temperature must reach 70ºC for at least 30 minutes.  This method best controls soil-borne pathogens, pests, and weeds.
4. Application of hot air  –  This method is based on blowing extremely hot air into humid soil.  An optimal blowing speed enables each individual soil particle to reach a temperature high enough to weaken or kill any pathogen or pest (especially fungi and nematodes).

Methods of Planting Cut Flowers

Cut flowers are planted using either of the following:

1. Seeds  –  Seeds are used as a planting medium.  They are directly sown into the field one inch deep in granite beds.  Remember to maintain the moisture of the granite beds until the seeds germinate.  Provide some support until plants are fully grown.
2. Top cuttings  –  Plant the cuttings in the beds near the base of each post.  Plant at least four cuttings per cost.  Mulch the bed with three to six layers of coarse charcoal and organic fertilizers.  For a period of one month, water the cuttings once or twice a day.  Also, spray fungicides on the newly planted orchids once or twice a week to avoid fungal infection.

Appropriate Fertilizers for Cut Flowers

The kind and amount of fertilizer required by cut flowers depend on the growing condition, potting medium, species, and stage of development.  Fertilizers may be applied using the liquid or the dry method.  For maximum results, remember the following:

• Young seedlings are usually given dilute solution of complete fertilizers high in nitrogen plus phosphorus and potassium with ratio of 4:1:1 or 2:1:1.
• Pig manure and chicken or fish emulsion may be prepared and applied once a week r once a month.
• As the plant gets older, increase the level of potassium and phosphorus content of the fertilizers.
• During the rainy season, apply fertilizers frequently as leaching is higher during this period.
• Do not fertilize inactive plants.
• Apply greater amounts of fertilizers to plants more exposed to greater light intensities than those grown under heavier shade.
• For sturdy plants and free-flowering specimens, fertilize them at least once a month.

Common Pests and Diseases and Their Control

Cut flowers are susceptible to diseases and pests.  Here are few pests and diseases of cut flowers and ways of controlling them.

Pests

1. Aphids  –  These sucking insects destroy or weaken the plants by sucking their juice.  They are common in chrysanthemums and gladioli.  Control them by spraying non-selective insecticides and by keeping the plantation clean.
2. Caterpillars  –  These chewing insects eat the leaves of the plants.  Spray the larvae with soap solution or any available commercial insecticide.
3. Mites  –  These are usually found attached to the lower surface or base of the leaves.  They cannot be easily seen by the naked eye.  Damaged tissues of the plants resulting from mite attacks appear to be shiny and silvery.  Spraying miticides can control mites.
4. Snails and slugs  –  These are commonly seen in orchids.  They feed on root tips and young shoots.  Control them by hand picking or using recommended pesticides.
5. Sow bugs  –  These feed on young tender tissues or root tips and prefer damp and dark surroundings.  Spraying insecticides easily controls them.
6. Other such as beetles, grasshoppers, mealy bugs, moths, scale insects, and thrips can be controlled by applying insecticides.

Diseases

Diseases of cut flowers commonly encountered in the Philippines are caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.  Symptoms of diseases are soft, soggy, translucent leaves, which can also have circular spots.

To control these diseases practice these preventive measures: provide good air circulation; spray regularly with fungicides; disinfect all tools that come in contact with infected plants; and practice sanitation around the greenhouse or nursery.

Harvest and Post-harvest of Cut Flowers

Harvesting cut flowers must be done very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.  Direct sunlight may deteriorate the quality of cut flowers.  In the morning, plants are still filled with stored food and their flowers are most fragrant.  Prepare a bucket of water where cut flowers can be placed when harvesting.  Stems are cut in a slant, and the leaves that will be submerged in the based are removed.  Avoid overcrowding the flowers.  Overcrowding enhances production of ethylene gas, which can cause shorter vase life.  The harvesting procedure of cut flowers depends on the variety and type of flowers.

The stage of harvesting is dictated by market demand.  These are the things to remember in harvesting the following cut flowers:

• Anthuriums  –  They can be harvested when they are already 3/4 matured.
• Chrysanthemums  –  They can be harvested before their central petals have fully matured and have lost their greenish color.
• Gladioli  –  They are ready for harvest when their leaves turn yellow and the second floret opens.
• Orchids  –  They can be harvested two days after their flowers are fully open.
• Roses  –  These cut flowers are ready to be harvested during the tight bud stage or just before the buds start to unfold.

Storing

In general, proper storage can prolong the freshness of the flowers.  Store the cut flowers at the lowest possible temperature.  These are two kinds of storage:

1. Wet storage  –  Soak the cut stem ends in water or flower preservative.
2. Dry-pack storage  –  Seal flowers inside plastic bags or airtight containers made of plastic or metal.  Press the side of the plastic containers gently to remove excess air before sealing the bags.

Sources:  www.attra.org, www.bfar.gov.ph; Photos: theflowerexpert.com, okfloristevents.com