Cold storage of Alstroemeria pelegrina 'Ostara'

Abstract

In this study, cut flowers of Alstroemeria 'Ostara' were harvested at three harvest maturities (tight bud, first bud showing colour, fully open flowers) and stored at 0-0.5degreesC for 0, 15, 30, and 45 days. The flowers harvested at different harvest maturities responded differently according to storage duration. The flowers at different harvest maturities could be stored for 45 days, however, the stems that were harvested with fully open flowers had a shorter vase life after 45 days of storage (5 days) compared to flowers harvested in bud or at a stage when the buds were first showing colour (9 days).