Do cold room rentals include delivery, setup, and pickup services?

04-Jul-2023

When it comes to portable cold storage and the need for temporary refrigeration and freezing, most would think in terms of food produce. For sure, it’s in food-related situations such as outdoor events, when running out of cold storage space or in the case of emergency breakdowns in refrigeration equipment, that people most often turn to Icecool Trailers for an efficient remedy. But food isn’t the only thing that needs to be kept cool, and for the jobbing florist, portable cold storage is a greater necessity than you might imagine. Let’s take a look at why.

Understanding the Craft

At the top of their game, florists specialise in creating bouquets and flower arrangements – suitable for all manner of situations – at a moment’s notice. This is no mean feat and involves a keen eye for detail, a deft touch and plenty of experience in knowing what looks good next to what.

Unsurprisingly, to create each individual botanic masterpiece, florists must make use of a vast array of plant-life – from spreading dinner-plate dahlias to whisker thin bunches of lavender, and tulips that bob through the air to carnations that cluster around the base. It’s very often necessary to have at hand these colourful tools of the trade as and when they’re needed; but the only problem is, Mother Nature sometimes has other ideas. Florists are in demand all year round, but certain flowers will only grow at specific times of year. This is where cold storage flower refrigeration comes in.

The Problem of Freshness

Whether arranging flowers or selling them straight to gardeners, the florist will always come up against the problem of freshness. Perhaps a certain type of roses must be kept for an as-yet unordered bouquet; perhaps the pansies left over from that last wedding display should be kept for future orders. In summer, the hot weather can cause flowers to wilt if they’re not given constant care.

For single location florists with a healthy customer base, this might not be a problem as the flowers in the shop can be tended to daily and will be purchased after a while in any case. But if you happen to be a florist that travels distances to events and locations for large displays or who makes bouquets to order, keeping flowers in cold storage until they are needed is essential. And it isn’t just the summer – the tubers of the dahlia flower, for example, are usually planted in spring. But they must be stored in a cool environment for the rest of the year to prevent rotting. Portable cold storage allows them to be available at any time for eager gardeners.

Benefits of Using Flower Refrigeration

Flower refrigeration or floral cooling provides an optimal environment for the preservation and extension of cut flowers' lifespan, maintaining their vibrancy and freshness. Here are several benefits associated with the use of flower refrigeration:

Extended Lifespan

One of the key benefits of using flower refrigeration is that it can significantly extend the lifespan of cut flowers. By maintaining a constant cool temperature, the metabolic rate of the flowers is slowed down, which in turn slows the process of wilting and ageing.

Freshness and Quality

Cool temperatures in the flower refrigerator help retain the flowers' freshness and quality, so the reduction in temperature decreases the rate of transpiration (water loss) in flowers, helping them stay hydrated and fresh. This leads to a longer period of bloom and vibrant colours, which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the flowers.

Prevents Bacterial Growth

Flower refrigeration helps in reducing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful pathogens. These organisms thrive in warm, moist conditions, but a cooler environment inhibits their proliferation, hence keeping the flowers healthy and free from disease.

Flexibility in Usage

Flower refrigeration allows florists and consumers flexibility in usage, especially with the hire of a freezer trailer rental. Flowers can be stored and used as needed, which is particularly beneficial for event planning or floral businesses, meaning flowers can be bought in bulk and stored without concern about rapid wilting or loss of quality.

Economic Efficiency

With the prolonged lifespan and quality of the flowers, financial losses can be minimised, as businesses can reduce the frequency of purchases and waste, resulting in cost savings. Similarly, consumers can enjoy their floral arrangements for a longer period.

Consistent Storage Conditions

Flower refrigeration provides a stable, controlled environment. This consistent condition is advantageous as it prevents fluctuations in temperature and humidity that could potentially harm the flowers.

Freeze Drying Flowers

An increasingly popular service is freeze drying flowers, which can preserve a flower’s natural shape far beyond its usual lifespan. To do this, you will need to work within a large, cool environment – the kind an Icecool Trailers portable cold room or larger trailer is perfectly suited to provide.

What Temperature Should a Floral Cooler Be Set At?

A floral cooler, designed specifically for storing flowers, should typically be set at a temperature of 33-35 degrees Fahrenheit (1-2 degrees Celsius). This cooler temperature helps to slow down the metabolic and transpiration rate of the flowers, extending their lifespan. This range is ideal for most flowers, but some specific varieties may require slightly different temperatures. For instance, tropical flowers prefer a warmer environment, around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the specific care instructions for the type of flowers you're storing to ensure optimal health and longevity.

Why should cut flowers be stored in a cooler?

Cut flowers should be stored in a cooler to slow down their metabolic processes and delay their natural wilting and ageing. A floral cooler offers an environment that closely mimics the flowers' natural growing conditions but at a slowed pace, which helps to extend their lifespan. The cooler's lower temperature decreases the rate of water loss from the flowers (transpiration), and slows the growth of bacteria and fungi that could potentially harm the flowers. Therefore, the use of a floral cooler plays a vital role in maintaining the quality, beauty, and longevity of cut flowers.