In comparison with many other varieties the durability of the cyathias of Early Prestige is absolutely the worst in our wide range of more than 40 varieties.
In all sizes, 6cm(2,5 inch) Mini-Single, 10cm(4 inch) mid-size pinched, 13cm(5 inch) pinched-Standard or bigger same situation.
No difference if early production (black clothed) or natural flowering.

Controlled temperature at the end(14,5-15,5°C =58-60F), controlled air-humidity(not above 85%, plus ventilation) make no difference.
Last year the same; before 2 years Prestige(not Early) were only a little better.

ALL others have better durability than Early Prestige. I remember Lilo – times.

How is YOUR experience in Early Prestige ?

We actually consider Early Prestige to hold the cyathia very well compared to other varieties on the market but would love to here from other growers and what you might be seeing.

Premature cyathia drop and poor durability is exaggerated by less than optimum environmental conditions such as low light levels combined with high forcing temperatures. Water stress doesn't help either - these factors require the plant to deplete its food reserves more rapidly and as a result drop the cyathia. We sometimes also see premature cyathia drop when temperatures are on the cool side early in the flower development process followed by warmer temperatures towards finish in an attempt to speed development. The warmer temperatures make the plant transpire faster and again deplete food reserves. This is one of the reasons it is better to grow plants warm during the early stages of production and gradually reduce temperatures later allowing for a slower depletion of food reserves.

Poor cyathia development is another issue. Large-bracted varieties such as Early Prestige grown under low light levels can suffer from poor cyathia count because the low light doesn’t provide enough food for a sufficient number of cyathia to develop. Bracts take a lot of the plants food reserve to develop and even more so for plants with naturally large bracts. Here again, warmer finishing conditions promote rapid bract expansion and increased bract size which reduces cyathia count, quality, and durability. Growth regulating to tone growth and cooler finishing temperatures that reduce bract size slightly allow for better cyathia development. Here we aren’t suggesting cooler temperatures all the through but rather warm early followed by gradually cooling.