Cut Products

Guidance for Processing Fresh-cut Produce in Retail Operations

Keith R. Schneider, W. Steve Otwell, Victor Garrido, and Ray Mobley

Viola x wittrockiana Pansy

Edward F. Gilman and Teresa Howe

The publication “Viola x wittrockiana Pansy” provides an overview of the pansy, a biennial plant often grown as an annual. Known for its brightly colored flowers, the pansy thrives in cool weather and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. The document discusses the plant’s growth habits, including its preference for part shade and ample moisture, especially during hot weather. It also covers planting guidelines, pest management, and the various cultivars available, highlighting the pansy’s versatility in garden borders, containers, and as cut flowers. First published 1999.

Lavandula angustifolia Lavender, English Lavender

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its gray foliage, purple flowers, and growth habits. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5B through 8 and prefers sunny locations with dry, somewhat infertile soil. The document highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping and its significance in the production of lavender oil for perfumes and cosmetics. Additionally, it mentions various cultivars and their specific features, as well as care tips for optimal growth and maintenance. Original publication date October 1999.

Fresh-Cut Mango Best Management Practices Manual

Jeffrey K. Brecht, Anne Plotto, Anna Marín-Gozalbo, and Renee Goodrich

The National Mango Board (NMB), an instrumentality of the US Department of Agriculture, commissioned this work to assist the mango industry. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information. However, NMB makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of information contained in this document. Mention of a trademark or proprietary product is for identification only and does not imply a guarantee or warranty of the product by the US Department of Agriculture. The US Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Zinnia spp. Zinnia

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document is about the Zinnia spp., commonly known as zinnia. It describes the plant’s various heights (6 inches to 3 feet) and vibrant flower colors (except blue). Zinnias thrive in full sun, tolerate most soils, and are used in mass plantings, containers, and as cut flowers. The document also covers planting guidelines, pest and disease management, and highlights the plant’s fast growth rate and high drought tolerance. Original publication date October, 1999.

Gomphrena globosa Common Globe Amaranth

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the common globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), detailing its characteristics, planting requirements, and uses. The plant is described as an annual with globe-shaped flowers in various colors, commonly used in mass plantings, rock gardens, and containers. It thrives in full sun and moderately dry soil, showing resistance to heat and minimal pest issues. The document also outlines its growth habits, including height, spread, and leaf arrangement, and notes its availability and non-invasive status. Propagation is typically by seed, and the plant is noted for its drought tolerance and suitability for areas with limited irrigation. Original publication date October 1999.

Helianthus annuus 'Sonja' Sonja Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘Sonja’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Sonja’), a short-lived annual plant known for its large, striking flowers. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower size, as well as its growing conditions and pest resistance. The document also compares ‘Sonja’ with other sunflower cultivars like ‘Valentine’, ‘Floristan’, and ‘Hallo’, highlighting their differences in appearance and susceptibility to pests. Additionally, it offers practical information on planting and maintaining sunflowers in Florida, emphasizing their seasonal growth patterns and potential uses in landscaping. Original publication date October 1999.

Helianthus debilis Beach Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Sydney Park-Brown, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), a perennial plant native to Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its small, sunflower-like flower heads, dark green deltoid leaves, and dense, spreading habit. The beach sunflower is noted for its high drought and salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal areas. It is commonly used as ground cover and attracts butterflies. The document also outlines the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained sandy soils, and highlights its minimal pest issues and various cultivars. Original publication date October 1999.

Pentas lanceolata Pentas, Egyptian Starcluster

Edward F. Gilman, Suzanne Shuffit, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as pentas or Egyptian starcluster. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and flowering habits. The document highlights the plant’s adaptability to various soil types and its moderate drought tolerance. It also notes the plant’s popularity with butterflies and hummingbirds, and its use in containers, hanging baskets, and as an accent in gardens. Additionally, it covers planting guidelines, maintenance tips, and propagation methods, emphasizing the plant’s suitability for hardiness zones 8B through 11. Original publication date October 1999.