Cut Flower Preserving Devices and Method

Abstract

A device and method that uses the application of light to retard the wilting and spoilage of cut flowers. The lamps used can direct focused illumination in the targeted wavelengths known to positively and optimally affect the viability of different types of cut flowers, hi the most preferred embodiment, an LED light source is positioned to direct light upwardly toward the flowers, either from a base structure upon which a vase holding the flowers and having a transparent bottom surface is placed, or from a position within an opaque vase holding flowers that is substantially below the flower stems. Optionally, light can be directed from the side or overhead, but such a configuration is not optimal. Side-by-side testing confirms that flowers exposed to the light lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to flowers, and more particularly to containing cut flowers so as to lengthen their useful life.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates to the field of preserving cut flowers, specifically to a device and method for extending the vitality of cut flowers so they can be maintained in a fresh looking condition during transport, while on display prior to sale, and for an extended period of enjoyment by the consumer after sale, without the flowers experiencing premature wilting, browning, fading in color, or otherwise spoiling.*[0003]Cut flowers have a limited shelf life, and are adversely affected by elevated temperatures, drafts, low humidity, vibration, and other environmental factors. Many cut flowers must be disposed of unsold due to spoilage in transit and while they are on display prior to sale. Attempts have been made to prolong the usable life of cut flowers during transport, so that they arrive at their destination while still looking ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The primary object of this invention is to provide an effective means of prolonging the viability of cut flowers, including but not limited to roses, in many cases for at least a week longer than untreated flowers in a normal home environment. A further object of this invention is to provide a means of prolonging the viability of cut flowers that is reusable, easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance between uses. It is also an object of this invention to provide a means of prolonging the viability of cut flowers that is not labor intensive or cost prohibitive. It is a further object of this invention to provide a means of prolonging the viability of cut flowers that is made from durable materials for long-term use.

[0010]We have also tested orchids, which are notoriously delicate and short-lived as cut flowers. We have shown that, similarly to longer lived roses, the useful life of orchids as cut flowers can be doubled, from 2-3 days to 5-6 days, by shining red light on the stems at intensities achievable with available LEDs. Significant improvement of cut-flower useful life has also been shown in trials with irises, carnations, tulips, daisies and chrysanthemums. All of these cut flowers, like roses and orchids, have longer useful lives when red light was shone on their stems (alone or in combination with blue and / or green light).

Problems solved by technology

The light can be directed from above or the side, although this will not be the optimal configuration.

Side-by-side testing with LED light sources confirmed that cut flowers exposed to the light source lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination, and some flowers even lasted more than two weeks longer than identical untreated cut flowers in specific environmental conditions i.e. conditions known to reduce the viability of cut flowers such as low humidity, and high heat will also negatively impact the effect of the light.

Images