An effective storage protocol for improving the postharvest performance in cut spikes of Consolida ajacis Nieuwl cv. Violet blue

► Storage of spikes of Consolida ajacis at temperature as low as 5 °C is effective in delaying senescence and improving postharvest vase life. ► The duration of cool storage can be up to 72 h, which allows for long distance transport of these spikes without any chilling injury or spike bending. ► Pretreating the spikes with cycloheximide for 1 h before 72 h cool storage results in an increment of vase life besides improvement in other postharvest qualities.