Harvesting and Fresh-keeping Methods for Black-eyed Susan Cut Flowers

[Other Chinese Names]Dui Xin Ju, Black-eyed Susan, Black-eyed Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Black-eyed Coneflower, Sunflower, Featherleaf Coneflower

[Family and Genus]Asteraceae, Rudbeckia

[Place of Origin]North America

[Plant Characteristics]Black-eyed Susan is a perennial herbaceous plant with persistent roots. The plant height is 30-120 cm. The flower head is 3-5 cm in diameter; the ray florets are bright yellow; the disc florets are purple-black, densely arranged in a spherical shape. The natural flowering period is from June to September.

[Cut Flower Harvesting]The harvested part is the flower head of Black-eyed Susan with its stem. It can be harvested after most of the ray florets have opened, and the operation can be carried out when the temperature is relatively low throughout the day. The product should first be placed in a cool place and precooled as soon as possible.

[Grading]The harvested flower material should be graded on the premise that it has the typical characteristics of this species, is free from damage and contamination, and has a good visual effect: the length of Grade I cut flowers is about 80 cm; the length of Grade II cut flowers is about 70 cm; the length of Grade III cut flowers is about 60 cm. The difference in length among cut flowers of the same grade should not exceed ±2 cm of the standard.

[Packaging]Bind the flower heads of Black-eyed Susan with stems of the same grade into bundles of 10, and place them separately into breathable perforated corrugated cardboard boxes lined with film and marked with the product name.

[Fresh-keeping Management]The cut flowers can be stored in an environment with a relative humidity of 90%-95% and a temperature of 2-4°C. During storage and transportation, Black-eyed Susan should not be stored dry. It should be kept in water as much as possible.

[Storage Life]Black-eyed Susan is not tolerant of storage and transportation and is a temporary cut flower. It is usually used immediately after harvesting and is not stored for a long time. It should be used as soon as possible after harvesting.

[Horticultural Application]Black-eyed Susan has bright flower colors and a wild charm. It can be used as a material for flower arrangements and can also be used as a vase flower.

[Market Availability Tip]The supply time of Black-eyed Susan cut flowers is mainly concentrated from June to September each year. For off-season supply, the market time can be advanced, but the quality is usually slightly poorer.