Cut flowers are the big revenue creators of fresh commodities. In this review, the current status of post harvest technology applied to cut flowers and foliage is discussed. Also included are considerations of the physical, biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying some of the processes central to cut flower and foliage deterioration, such as abscission, senescence and programmed cell death. Moreover, through examples, solutions to increasing longevity through improvement of cultural practices and sanitation and through genetic engineering are covered, providing practical solutions to the global cut flower market.