It’s obvious why restaurants and bakeries need commercial refrigeration, but if you’re planning on opening a flower shop, cooling may not have even crossed your mind. If you want to grow certain varieties on-site, greenhouse designs and heating elements might be part of the budget, but chances are refrigeration is an afterthought. To ensure the success of your business, though, it’s important to install adequate refrigeration. Here’s why all budding florists should consult with an electrical contractor about their cooling needs before opening up shop. 

Why Do Flowers Need to Be Refrigerated?

Commercial refrigerators may be the most important equipment a florist invests in. Heat makes virtually all flowers wilt, so having plenty of fridge space is essential for ensuring the blooms stay fresh for as long as possible.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for a florist to create just a few bouquets to put on display and keep the rest of the products refrigerated until they're needed. Generally speaking, flowers thrive at between 36- and 46-degrees Fahrenheit. Once the temperature climbs into the 50s, though, the petals will inevitably start wilting. And as a florist, wilted flowers mean wasted product. 

How Many Refrigerators Does My Shop Need?

If you have the budget and the space, an electrical contractor might recommend installing commercial refrigeration along every wall in your shop. This will ensure you can refrigerate all the bouquets on display, thereby extending their shelf life and saving you money by limiting waste. If you can’t afford expansive cooling units just yet, though, simply install as many refrigerators as you can, and store the oldest, most vulnerable, and most valuable flowers in them.

It’s also wise to talk to an HVAC contractor about the shop’s heating and cooling system. While blasting the air conditioner will not necessarily replace refrigeration, keeping the shop at a consistently low temperature can help preserve the flowers that are out. Using humidifiers will also prevent the flowers that aren't refrigerated from wilting. 

To discuss your commercial refrigeration needs with an electrical contractor, turn to Osterwisch Company. Their knowledgeable technicians will be happy to evaluate your future flower shop to ensure you have adequate cooling capacity from day one. Located in Cincinnati, OH, this family-owned and -operated company has been serving clients throughout the Tri-State area since 1946. And since they're more than just an electrical contractor—they also provide plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services—you can turn to them for virtually all your utility needs. To talk to a member of their team and learn more, call (513) 791-3282 or reach out online.