POST HARVEST INFORMATION FROM A PROTEA GROWER, SHIPPER AND IMPORTER'S VIEWPOINT

• build each individual's reputation with their buyers as a producer of quality cut flowers
• justify highest and best prices paid to growers
• increase the demand for cut Protea
• operate at a profit

In the writers' opinion proper post harvest procedures must be adhered to in order to ensure these goals. The methods and suggestions shared herein have evolved over more than ten years of experiences and experiments by the writers in a profitable commercial Protea growing and marketing operation. A great deal of information has been published on post harvest treatment of cut flowers; however, the writers suggest that thorough scientific investigations should be done specifically on each aspect of Proteas — from the selection of proper mature flowers, when and how to cut, post harvest treatments, packaging, and the care and handling by buyers. Until these studies have been completed and reported, we Protea growers will not be able to obtain the aforementioned goals and therefore will be greatly handicapped in the highly competitive worldwide flower markets.

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