Transporting Flowers Chilled: Tips for the Flower Industry
Transporting Flowers Chilled: Tips for the Flower Industry
Fresh flowers quickly lose quality if temperature control during transport is not properly managed. Too warm and flowers dry out or bloom prematurely. Too cold and you get frost damage. The right packaging makes all the difference.
Optimal Transport Temperatures
- Roses, tulips, lilies: 2 – 4 °C
- Carnations, gerberas: 2 – 5 °C
- Orchids, anthuriums: 13 – 15 °C (tropical — too cold causes damage)
- Foliage: 1 – 4 °C
The Challenge of Flower Transport
Flowers are living products. They breathe, evaporate moisture, and produce ethylene — a gas that accelerates aging. Good packaging must:
- Maintain a stable temperature
- Regulate moisture (too dry = dehydration)
- Prevent ethylene buildup
- Provide mechanical protection
Recommended Packaging
- EPS boxes or honeycomb cooling boxes for insulation
- Gel packs at the bottom and sides (no direct contact with flowers)
- Absorption mats to prevent condensation
- Ventilated insulation covers for pallet transport
- Container desiccant bags for sea freight
International Transport via Air Freight
Many Dutch flower exports go through Schiphol to markets in Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Our pallet covers are used daily by air freight companies for:
- Protection against extreme outdoor temperatures on the tarmac
- Stabilizing temperature in cargo holds
- Preventing condensation during temperature changes
Practical Tips
- Allow flowers to acclimate to the cooling temperature beforehand
- Avoid direct contact between ice and flowers
- Keep transport time as short as possible
- Communicate specific requirements to the carrier
For advice on your specific flower transport needs, please contact our internal sales department.
