Flowers removed from dry storage need to be hardened. Cut one-half inch from the bottom of each stem. Place the flower in a preservative solution inside a 38 - 40 F cooler. When properly handled, dry stored flowers should have reasonable quality and the same longevity as fresh flowers. Poor temperature control or disease will decrease quality and longevity.
Dry storage is used only to a limited degree by the industry and works best with chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemums, carnations, and roses are the crops to which it is primarily applied. Much more potential exists here than is being realized. The main reason for its low level of acceptance has probably been failures due to poor handling of the system. Carnations and chrysanthemums can be harvested and shipped in the bud stage, which cuts down greatly on their volume and hence lowers the cost of shipping. The wholesaler may then store the buds or open them immediately for resale.