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Polyanthus tuberosa
(poly-AN-thus tube-eh-ROSE-a)
Common Name: Tuberose
Family: Agavaceae

Native to Mexico. Flowers only available in white but either as single or double flowered selections. 'Mexican Single is the most popular single-flowered selection, while 'The Pearl' is the most popular double flowered selection. Single flowers have 6 petals while doubles have 12. The name may be from the Greek words for shinning or white 'polios' and 'anthos' for flower. The flower is very popular for its strong fragrance, and its essential oils are important components of high-grade perfumes in Southern France. Always handle gently since flowers are easily bruised. Store in an upright position; flowers are subject to tropic curvatures in response to light (phototropism) and gravity (geotropism) similar to species such as snapdragon etc.

Consumer care. Remind customers to protect corsages and boutonnieres from ethylene sources such as ripening fruit.

Preparation. Recut stems one to two inches from the base. Remove any faded flowers.

Development at harvest . Flowers cut too tightly may fail to open. Harvest with at least the first few flowers open at the bottom. They may be harvested with as many as 1/2 to 3/4 of the flowers open but no flowers should be starting to fade.

Lasting qualities. Flowers may last up to 2 weeks when properly harvested and handled.

Ethylene . Do not store near sources of ethylene. Treatment with anti-ethylene agents has been shown to be effective. Treatments are best applied at harvest or the wholesale level.

Temperature. Store at 45 F dry for up to 3 days. Temperatures below 43 F may reduce flower opening and fragrance.
Hydration. Place stems in a citric acid solution over night at room temperature.

Preservative Place stems in shallow preservative solution and maintain at room temperature overnight.

Storage. Store at 45-50F. Do not store below 43F as this may result in the failure of buds to open. Prolonged storage at cool temperatures also reduces fragrance.

Drying. Neither single or double flowered selections dry well, but expect 5-6 days vase life if flowers were handled properly.

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