Argyranthemum frutescens
(ar-gi-r-AN the-mum froo-TESS-enz.)
Common Name: Marguerite Daisy

Formerly classified as Chrysanthemum frutescens

Harvest when most blooms on the branching cluster have fully opened.
.
White or yellow single composites with branched stems. Flowers are often tinted various pastel colors. Common relatives include, Mum, gerbera, lettuce endive, and chicory. Purchase when at least one or two flowers are fully open, but before evidence of leaf yellowing. Leaf yellowing indicates improper storage conditions. The epithet 'frutescens' means bushy. This flower is not ethylene-sensitive. Water in which these flowers are held often develops a bad odor. Change water frequently and clean debri from stems before placing in solu Flowers last 3 to 8 days. A number of buds may develop during vase life. Storage reduces vase life. Pulse overnight in 25 ppm silver nitrate and 0.5% sugar. Higher sugar concentrations (> 0.5%) can cause leaf yellowing. Flowers are injured by even low concentrations of the biocide 8-hydroxy quinoline citrate (HQC) . Preservative formulations containing this material appear yellowish.

Consumer Care: Recut stems and remove lower leaves. Place flowers in a vase of fresh water. Add a floral preservative to vase water to encourage bud opening. Avoid preservatives with HQC.

Preparation: Remove marguerites from daisy hampers as soon as possible. Inspect for leaf yellowing and or signs of disease such as botrytis. Open bunches and recut stems under water if possible. Remove as much older foliage as possible before placing in solution.
Hydrate overnight in a warm solution,100 F(38C, adjusted to pH 3.5 with citric acid. Use the same solution for holding flowers under refrigeration . Don't use HQC in the holding solution. Refrigerate marguerites at 32 to 40F(0 to 5 C). Store dry, in hampers, up to 3 days at 39 F (4C). Longer storage reduces vase life. Insufficient cooling while in hampers results in leaf yellowing or the development of diseases.