Buying Tips: Ask: Variety name. Different varieties have different flower qualities. Learn the varieties that work best at your location.
Avoid: Flowers with limp stems and/or petals, brown stem tips, brown centers, more than half pollen shed in center; stems that are soft / slimy in lower half inch.
Look for: Firm, straight stems and firm petals; approximately 2 rows of anthers exhibiting pollen.

Processing: Unpack immediately to prevent wilting. Remove foliage below water level. Recut stems.

Pretreatment: Use HydraFlor^® 100 to promote water uptake and hydration. This treatment will help increase bud opening and decrease flower wilting. It also keeps flower stems free flowing.

Holding Solution: Use fresh flower food at the recommended rate: Use Flower Food 300, 200, Clear 200, or Clear ULTRA 200 storage and transport treatments, or depending on water test results, Special Blend 300 for Hard Water or for Pure Water.
Hold flowers at room temperature for 1 - 2 hours (2 - 4 if flowers are limp or exhibiting bent neck) prior to storage in cooler or designing. As a finishing touch to any floral design, spray Finishing Touch hydration and protection spray over entire project.

Storage: Place Gerbera in a 34 - 38˚ F cooler with 80 - 90% humidity. There is research that suggests that some varieties may be chill sensitive.