Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Etheredge, Coleman

Committee Member

DelPrince, James

Committee Member

Li, Tongyin

Committee Member

Landers, Myles

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Plant & Soil Sciences (Horticulture)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Abstract

A recent shift in the cut flower market focuses on locally produced cut flowers, creating interest in the consumer mind. The vase life of these cut flowers varies by variety and species. Knowing the proper post-harvest protocol is crucial information, as this affects flower’s longevity. This research used a 2x2x2 factorial design examining the zinnias variation in vase life between the following test groups: zinnias with trimmed and untrimmed stems in tap water and trimmed and untrimmed stems in floral food solution. The results of the study indicated that zinnias placed in a floral food solution and were trimmed have the longest vase life of all the other test groups. If adding a floral solution to the water is not an option, then the stems should be left untrimmed, as trimming the stems in tap water shortens the vase life by up to one week.

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