Cut Stages

Stage 1) Cut at this stage in the field to decrease petal damage. This is the first stage of the Sunflower, which we call "Tight."

- When received at this cut stage the most important action is to re-cut the Sunflower and put the flower in a vase/bucket that has at least 5 inches of fresh water.

- Takes approx. 2-3 days to go from Stage 1 to Stage 2.





Stage 2) This is the second stage of the Sunflower cut which we refer to as the "Opening Stage." Be prepared to have stems within the bunch open inconsistently.

- When received at this cut stage the most important action is to make sure the vase/bucket has fresh water (must be changed every 2 days) and is maintained at a consistent temperature (between 55º - 70º F).

- Takes approx. 2-3 days to go from Stage 2 to Stage 3.




Stage 3) Ideal Stage for Sunflowers as they should have a more uniform cup-stage appearance. This third stage is known as the "Blooming Stage."

- Make sure water has been replaced from initial uptake (Stage 2) and re-cut to accelerate opening stage.

- Takes approx. 5-7 days to go from Stage 3 to Stage 4.





Stage 4) This is the fourth and final stage of the Sunflower and is subsequently named the "Open Stage." Once it reaches the full blown state, petals will begin to fall off.

- When Sunflowers reach this stage, they should be kept in low to moderate temperature (55º - 70º F), so they last longer and age less quickly.

- Takes approx. 2-3 days before petals start falling off.

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In the Field

Here are some of the varieties of fresh Sunflowers we offer:

Care & Handling

1) Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution or plain tap water. Or, place into a bleach solution (6-8 drops per quart).

2) Change water every 3 days for longevity and outward appearance.

3) Try to find an area in the house, office or room that is less then 80º F, otherwise Sunflowers will open too quickly (jeopardizing life span) and petals will begin to fall/wilt.

4) Customers receiving flowers in stage 3-4 under normal domestic conditions should expect vase life of 6-8 days.

In the Home

The Dirt - June Issue

Our booth at this month’s trade show formerly known as SuperFloral will be all about the half pallet.

One of our first innovations, this instant-impact display is a great example of listening to and collaborating with customers to meet a bottom-line business needs. Now 11 years old, the Dos Gringos half pallet still delivers on the promise of low cost, low labor and high impact. That’s 38,000 half pallet displays and 267 semi loads from the first shipment in 1999! It’s a great success story, and we hope you’ll join us in Booth #1925 to celebrate the spirit of creativity and teamwork that brought it to life.

This innovation works. In fact it works so well we decided to make a booth out of it. What better way to showcase the hard work and creativity that have gone into our patented half pallet than to make a booth out of the stuff? Walls, seating, display tables – all made of the material you know and love, the anchor that helps you show and sell the freshest Sunflowers, a host of California favorites and the fun and funky greens you’ll only find at Dos Gringos.

The pictures in this issue tell the story of our preparation for the International Floriculture Expo. We love this year’s theme, of course, because “Seed to Shelf” is what we’re all about. We’re excited to see you in person and to share the newest things we’re doing to bring you the freshest, longest-lasting flowers faster than anyone else out there. Come and see our fall 2010 line featuring several new bouquets and a half pallet display with brand new graphics. Get a preview of new Sunflowers under development. And catch up with team members Jason Levin, René Van Rems, Marco Rivera, Jenny Butterfass and Giustina Shaha.

Nos vemos en Florida!-









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