What's the best way to select quality potted plants at the markets?

I'm doing an assignment on potted foliage and flower plants I can't seem to find the answer to, i need information on the following:


- select quality potted plants at the markets


- box/ package %26amp; transport the plans to the florist shop


- care for the plants until sold





I've got some books but the information is not what I am looking for..


do you know any good articles or websites would be helpful?





Thank you in advance.

What's the best way to select quality potted plants at the markets?
Try Hoirticulture Week for trade information:


www.hortweek.com





or the Royal Horticultural Society for general tips and advice:


www.rhs.org.uk





Generally, you should look for plants that have a healthy apprearance, lush, even foliage and are in flower bud but not actually flowering. Plants are usually transpported in boxes or on Dutch trolleys for larger quantities. Care until sale would be things like watering, removing dead leaves / flowers, protection from frost and perhaps feeding.
Reply:do a course at college
Reply:What you need to do is to go talk to the owner/buyer at a florist, do an interview. Tho most florists, nurseries, etc just pick up the phone, call their wholesaler, place their order, and the shipping and everything is done for them. I worked at a garden center for 16 years and not once did we ever go pick out our own plants. Salesmen called on us.There are also florist wholesalers with whom you could talk, they should be listed in a phone book inyour area.
Reply:Most of the plants that arrive at the markets are quality plant, however the markets have a tendency to ruin them through lack of appropriate care. Wal-Mart is horrible when it comes to caring for their plants and Lowes is not much better. The best they get is overhead watering which usually results in plants not getting enough moisture or black spot and fungal diseases. When I look for plants at garden centers or markets, I carefully inspect the plant for disease, I check the soil for moisture, and I remove the plant from the container to check the roots to see if they are sick or root bound. These things don't always keep me from purchasing a plant, but they do keep me from purchasing a plant at full price. It appears that most of the questions you are asking about packaging, transportation, and care would be better answered by someone with first hand knowledge. Someone at a garden center.


Good Luck