Pernambuco State produces tropical flowers (Heliconiaceae, Zingiberaceae, Costaceae, Araceae) mainly in the rain forest zone and coastal lands. The climatic conditions of the region favour the blooming and the obtaining of flowers with good color, size and quality. The flower industry in Pernambuco is organized in associations and cooperatives and has increased in the last 10 years, due to private and governmental investments, giving to the farmers financial aid, research support and capacitation for exporting. This work describes the procedures used during harvest and postharvest manipulation of tropical flowers, with the objective of helping growers to reach new market niches.
Zingiberales; Araceae; cut flowers; inflorescence classification; harvest date
