Establishing a Cut Flower Farm

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wildflowers

The idea of farming for cut flowers is becoming more popular. Like everything, farming flowers is a lot of work! Here are a few things to think about.

Sun

Flowers need FULL SUN!!! Sun = Flowers = Money! If you do not have a field that is in the full sun all day long then you may want to reconsider going into the cut flower business.

high tunnel greenhouse

A high tunnel greenhouse can be used to manage plants more effectively. This infrastructure can cost thousands of dollars.

Space

Most smaller flower farms utilize 1/4-1/2 acre for production. The site should be relatively flat, well drained and easily accessible. You will need a shed for tools and supplies as well.

Time

Growing any garden takes time and cut flower plots are no less time consuming than vegetables. Soil preparation, planting, weed control, fertilizing, watering, harvesting, marketing, selling and shipping all take time. Operating a you-pick cut flower farm can alleviate some of the harvesting work but visitors must be managed and there are liabilities to consider.

garden shed studio

A garden shed can store equipment and supplies and double as a flower arranging studio.

Marketing

If you are going into the flower business (or any business really) you should be good at marketing or have a partner who is willing to market the business. Websites and social media are important to keep updated. If you sell at farmers markets you should be happy to interact with the general public. Visit the websites and social media pages of successful cut flower producers for inspiration.

zinnia

Making Money

Cut flowers can be sold directly to florists and restaurants. You can sell at local farmer’s markets and stores. You can partner with wedding planners to buy your flowers. A CSA (Community Supported Ag) arrangement can be formed where people subscribe to pick up flowers weekly. You can host the public as an agritourism site. Finally you can add add value to flowers by drying them, making wreaths and arrangements, extracting essential oils and making other products from flowers.
Here is a detailed publication about growing cut flowers. It is long but it has some great plant lists and other information in it.

Southeast Manual for Growing Cut Flowers

cut flower farm

Cut flower farms can be neatly arranged or artistically organized.