If you are someone with a green thumb and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then commercial flower farming might be your special calling. Starting a flower farm is a great way to make money and provide beautiful blooms for your customers. It’s also an exciting venture that can be both rewarding and challenging.
So, whether you’re just starting or have been flower farming for years, there are tips and tricks to help you maximize your output while keeping costs low.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best practices when it comes to flower farming, from choosing the right plants to harvesting at peak times. By following these strategies, you’ll be able to turn your passion into a successful business in no time!
After reading, be sure to check out Renee Nelson’s you-pick flower farm. The operation started making money in the first month and hasn’t stopped since.
Flower Farming for Cut Flowers
Flower farming is growing in popularity and can be very rewarding. People make money by growing cut flowers and selling them at farmers’ markets or to venues, flower stalls, and restaurants.
You can also start small, which is financially stable for most cut flower farming. That means you can start with a small garden in your or your neighbor’s yard if they let you. You can also begin with just a few buckets of flowers. Once you get the hang of it, you can expand your cut flower garden and make more money.
How Profitable is Flower Farming?
The flower farming business is a lucrative one, as these specialty crops are one of the best cash crops you can grow. The flower experts at The Gardner’s Workshop say that farmers across the United States are reporting sales of $25K to $30K an acre on average. How much you are going to make is going to depend wholly on the region, the type of market you are selling into and your skill at flower farming.
What is a Flower Farmer Called?
A flower farmer is generally referred to as a floriculturist. A floriculturist is someone who specializes in growing, harvesting, and marketing flowers. From selecting the right soil for planting to pruning for optimal growth and design, a floriculturist has many skills that are beneficial to running a successful flower farm.
The Most Profitable Flowers to Grow
The most profitable flowers to grow will be popular blooms for flower bouquets, flower crowns and flower arrangements. Warm-season annuals are the easiest for beginning floriculturists to work with. You can sell them through the season, and they have a very broad appeal.
The three best warm-season annuals you can try your hand at for the first time are celosia, sunflowers and zinnias. In fact, many floriculturists only do sunflower farming since they are so popular and easy to grow.
Other profitable flower varieties and plants to use for bouquets and bouquet fillers include:
1. Ageratum
2. Scabiosa
3. Larkspur
4. Lavender
5. Eucalyptus
6. Carnations
7. Lillies
8. Yarrow
9. Gladiolus
10. Snapdragon
11. Queen Anne’s lace
12. Holly
13. Lily of the Valley
14. Dill
15. Tulips
16. Baby’s breath
17. Roses
18. Peonies
19. Verbena bonariensis
20. Heather
21. Ivy
22. Stephanotis
23. Ammi/Daucus
24. Strawflower
25. Sweet pea
26. Cinnamon basil
27. Black-eyed Susans
28. Dahlias
29. Bachelor’s buttons
What to Grow for a Mixed Bouquet
One of the most confusing things for a first-year flower farmer is planting for flower bouquets. When flower farming for a mixed bouquet, you want to choose flower varieties that will work together. Choose colors and flower types that not only look appealing but will also stand up well in a flower bouquet.
Focal Flowers
These flowers really stand out in a flower bouquet and draw your eyes to them. Focals should be unique, bold and eye-catching. Zinnias are an example of a focal flower, and their vintage-like appearance makes them highly sought after. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes and are considered workhorse flowers since the more you cut, the more they produce.
Accent Flowers
Accent flowers are smaller flower blooms that help fill out and support the flower bouquet. They should be bright, cheerful, and less expensive than focals. Examples of accent flowers are alstroemeria, lisianthus, and statice. These flowers can help add texture and color to the bouquet without breaking the budget.
Hardy Annuals
Hardy annuals tolerate a wide range of temperatures, humidity levels and soil conditions. What’s more? They bring long-lasting color and texture to your flower bouquet and are a great option for the beginning flower farmer. The fast-growing black-eyed Susan is an example of a hardy annual. Susans radiate happiness and are especially suited for barn wedding bouquets. Daisies, sunflowers and coneflowers can also be included in this group.
Soft Annuals and Perennials
Soft annuals and perennials are considered to be more delicate than hardy annuals and are often short-lived. Perennials come back year after year, creating the possibility of a continuous supply of flowers for your business. These flowers require more attention and care but can thrive in the right environment. Examples of soft annuals and perennials are cosmos, dahlias and snapdragons.
Foliage Plants
Foliage plants are essential for any flower bouquet and provide structure and texture to your arrangement. Ferns, eucalyptus and ivy are great choices for foliage. These plants will add color, texture and interest to your flower bouquet and won’t wilt as quickly as some of the softer flowers.
Other Considerations
In addition to the options above, you can also plant for desired characteristics. For example, if you want to have a good succession plant, try sunflowers. You only have to plant a bunch of them at the beginning of their growing season and one month following that. Plus, sunflowers produce more blooms the more often you cut them. You can also plant for vase life. The Oklahoma variety of zinnias has a great vase life.
Also, be mindful of characteristics that aren’t ideal, such as sunflowers taking longer to go from seed to harvest than other single-stem flowers.
Flower Farming in 12 Simple Steps
Whether you’re a beginner flower farmer or looking to expand your business, there are certain steps you need to take to be successful. From choosing flower varieties to marketing your bouquets, here are 12 simple steps you need to take to start and successfully run a flower farm:
1. Benchmark Other Flower Farmers in the Area
It is important to research flower growers in the area before you start a flower farm. This will help you understand better what flowers are most profitable, what growing seasons are best to plant in, what issues they run into and what methods other farmers use.
It is also helpful to talk to other growers at the farmer’s market too. Many of them will be glad to help you with growing tips and may even give you more agricultural business ideas.
2. Plan Your Flower Business
In this step, you are planning out the business aspects of your flower farm. From naming and branding to marketing your business to opening a business banking account, this is where you plan the groundwork that will ensure your flower business’s success.
- Create an action tracker – This will help you keep track of the tasks and goals you need to complete while starting and running your flower farm.
- Name and brand your flower business – This will help you create a more recognizable identity for your business.
- Develop a flower farming business plan – A business plan is essential for getting business loans and grants. Even acquiring a business partner or angel investor is easier with a good business plan. A solid business plan should, at the very least, contain:
- A summary of your business
- An overview of the market and industry
- Sales and marketing plans
- Financial projections
- Form a legal entity and register your business – This will help you protect your business and personal assets.
- Create a budget – This will help you manage your finances and better understand the costs of running a flower farm.
- Set up a business banking account – A business bank account is important for tracking and keeping separate the income, expenses and other financials related to your business.
- Market and promote your flower business – You’ll need to figure out the best ways to reach potential customers and increase visibility for your business – such as by creating a website and engaging in social media.
- Sort out taxes and insurance – This will help you make sure your business complies with local, state and federal laws.
3. Choose the Type of Flower Farm You Want to Create
Before you decide on specific flower varieties, you need to decide what type of farm you want to create. Are you looking to grow cut flowers for bouquets, or are you looking more toward potted plants? Do you want to specialize in one type of flower or grow a variety of flowers? Answering these questions will help you determine the types of flowers you want to start with.
4. Set Aside Your Growing Area
Once you’ve decided what type of flower farm you want to create, it’s time to set aside a structure or area for your flowers. This can be done in a variety of ways, from renting land or greenhouses to planting and maintaining fields and gardens at home.
5. Begin Crop Planning
Develop a crop plan for the year. This will help you determine what flowers to grow when to plant them, and what supplies you need. You should also take into consideration things like weather patterns in your area, pest infestations, and soil conditions as well. Be sure to research any pests that are common in your area so that you can treat them accordingly.
9. Buy Your Starting Seeds
One of the best ways to ensure you have the tall varieties of flowers you need for cut flower bouquets is to buy and grow your own seeds. As far as bought seeds go, many nurseries don’t carry these types of flowers.
So, if you want to create beautiful floral arrangements you’ll need to take matters into your own hands and grow them from scratch. You can buy seeds from places like your local feed & seed store or highly-rated online bulk seed companies.
6. Nurture and Grow Your Starter Flowers
When starting your farm for your flowers, it is important to have the appropriate tools and equipment needed to successfully nurture and grow flowers.
A heat mat, seed trays, grow lights and quality seed starting mix are all essential items for any budding flower farmer. The heat mat will help keep the soil temperature at the optimal level for germination, while the grow lights will help stimulate and encourage more vigorous growth.
7. Purchase any Supporting Structures and Materials
Depending on the type of farm you’re running, you may need to purchase certain pieces of equipment. For example, if you’re growing potted plants, you’ll need some form of irrigation system to keep them hydrated.
If you’re growing cut flowers for bouquets, you may need a greenhouse or cold frame and some cutting tools. You can purchase landscape fabric and other materials to create the environment you need for your plants.
Also, if you are growing roses, which can be very profitable, you need to have excellent marketing facilities.
8. Buy Farming Tools and Equipment
If you don’t want to put in a huge investment, beginning flower farmers can start small. So, if you are starting small, hand tools like tillers, plows, and trowels make for a great beginning investment.
However, farming can be backbreaking work. If you plan on expanding your operation, it may be necessary to invest in larger equipment like electric tillers, tractors and seed drills. You can also purchase a mule, wheelbarrow and other items that will help make your job easier.
9. Till the Growing Area
After you have chosen your growing area, tilling the soil will help create a healthy and productive environment for your flowers. This process helps remove roots and weeds while breaking up large chunks of dirt and removing rocks. This way, air, water and nutrients can better penetrate and enrich the soil.
To till the soil, use either the double-dig gardening method or use a hand-held or motorized rototiller to dig into the dirt.
10. Make Any Soil Amendments Needed
If you’re planting in soil that is not ideal for the flowers you’ve chosen, then you may need to add amendments such as compost or mulch. This will help ensure that your flowers get the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
11. Harden Your Plants
There are some seeds you can plant directly in the soil – others you have to grow inside and transplant. Before transplanting your seedlings, be sure to harden them off. This process helps the plants become acclimated to outdoor conditions so they are better prepared for life in their new home.
To do this, start by keeping the plants outside for a few hours during the day and then bring them back inside at night for a week or two. This process will help the plants adjust and grow stronger, resulting in better yields.
12. Plant the Flowers and Take Care of Them
Direct sow your seeds or plant the starter flowers in the soil in the area you have chosen and take care of them. Bear in mind that all flowers typically have different requirements when it comes to soil, water and sun exposure. Consider special notes on your seed packages or in books. They give you helpful tips like the correct planting distances between plants, what plants grow well together, and when to plant your flowers (spring, late spring, fall /etc.).
Additionally, fertilize regularly, water consistently and remove any weeds that sprout around them. Pay careful attention to how your flowers are growing so that you can make adjustments as needed.
13. Harvest the Flowers
Once the flowers are ready, it’s time to harvest them. Harvesting and handling cut flowers is a process. Some general guidelines to follow:
Before Harvesting Flowers:
- Flowers and other plants should appear healthy and turgid.
- Use white plastic buckets to hold your harvested plants.
- Plastic storage buckets and cutting tools such as knives or shears should be cleaned and sanitized inside before use. See the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s directions for cleaning and sanitizing here.
- Don’t stack buckets within each other if the inside is not as clean as the outside.
- Make sure all cutting tools are sharp. If you cut with dull tools, they will crush the stems and decrease their water intake.
- All plastic buckets used to harvest plants should contain clean water. Some floriculturists add biocide to the water
To find out how to mix biocide and reference vendors that sell it, see “The Care and Handling of Cut Flowers” in the Further Reading for Successful Flower Farming section.
During Harvesting:
- Harvest spike-type flowers when 1/4 to 1/2 of their individual florets open.
- Harvest daisy-type flowers when they are opened fully.
To see a list of some commonly grown cut flowers and their development stages, see the fact sheet in “The Care and Handling of Cut Flowers” in the Further Reading for Successful Flower Farming section.
- Harvest in the cooler morning and evening hours.
- Remove any foliage on plant stems that will be underwater.
- Slant cut flower stems to keep them from lying flat on the bottom of the bucket and increase water absorption.
- Don’t lay flowers on a dirty surface or the ground.
- Frequently disinfect your cutting tools – at least 2X each day.
- Grade and bunch plants and flowers immediately after you harvest.
- Bring flowers into the shade. Place them in plastic buckets of clean, acidified warm water and a biocide.
- Avoid overfilling containers with plants and flowers.
14. Sell the Fresh Flowers
Now that your flowers are harvested, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and sell them! You can create beautiful bouquets to market and sell to local florists or even directly at a farmers’ market. By growing hardy annuals and other bouquet and vase-ready flowers, you have created a sustainable source of income for yourself and provided high-quality, freshly cut flowers for others.
15. Save Some Seeds for Next Time
Once you have finished harvesting your flowers, it’s a good idea to save some of the seeds for next season. This will help cut down on the cost of buying new plants and give you a head start in getting ready for planting season. You can store the seeds in a cool, dry place until springtime rolls around again.
16. Expand or Diversify Your Business
Once you have established yourself in the industry, it’s time to start thinking about diversifying your “flower portfolio.”
You can start growing other varieties of flowers to offer your customers a larger selection or even venture into new realms altogether, such as creating wreaths and centerpieces or making rosewater out of leftover roses.
With the right knowledge and ambition, you can turn your small-scale flower business into something much bigger! You can also teach flower farming classes to all the budding floriculturists out there.
Here’s a summary table that brings all the steps together for easy reference:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Benchmark Local Flower Farmers | – Understand profitable flowers and seasons. – Gain insights from local growers and farmers’ markets. |
| Plan Your Flower Business | – Branding & naming. – Develop a business plan. – Legal registration, budgeting, banking, marketing, taxes, and insurance. |
| Choose Your Flower Farm Type | – Decide between cut flowers for bouquets or potted plants. – Specialize or diversify flower types. |
| Set Aside Your Growing Area | – Rent or allocate space for growing. |
| Begin Crop Planning | – Yearly crop plans. – Consider weather, pests, and soil conditions. |
| Nurture Your Starter Flowers | – Essential tools: heat mat, seed trays, grow lights, and seed starting mix. |
| Purchase Supporting Structures | – Depending on farm type: irrigation systems, greenhouse, or cold frame. |
| Buy Farming Tools and Equipment | – Basic tools: tillers, plows, and trowels. – Larger equipment if expanding. |
| Till the Growing Area | – Use rototiller or double-dig gardening to prepare the soil. |
| Make Soil Amendments | – Add compost or mulch for nutrient enrichment. |
| Harden Your Plants | – Acclimate plants to outdoor conditions for transplantation. |
| Plant and Care for Flowers | – Consider individual flower requirements. – Regularly fertilize and water. |
| Harvest the Flowers | – Harvest during cooler hours. – Use guidelines for flower types and stages. – Store harvested flowers appropriately. |
| Sell the Fresh Flowers | – Market bouquets to florists or at farmers’ markets. |
| Save Seeds for Next Time | – Store seeds in a cool, dry place for the next planting season. |
| Expand or Diversify | – Grow other flower varieties or venture into related businesses. – Offer classes or workshops. |
Places to Sell Your Flowers
If you are looking for places to sell your flowers, there are many outlets available. You can start out by setting up a booth at local festivals and farmers’ markets. Later, once you have everything down pat, you can try your hand at mass marketing them directly to garden centers, florists and supermarkets that operate throughout the entire year.
There are also pop-up stands, wholesalers and online flower delivery services where you can build your floriculture sales. Another option is marketing your flowers and services toward wedding and other special event planners.
Will a Flower Farmer Make a Profit in The First Season?
Yes, it is possible to make a profit in the first year of farming flowers. However, the first year of growing them has a steep learning curve. When starting out, it is best to focus on two or three types of flowers that are in high demand.
It is also important to do your research, especially when it comes to growing best practices and competition. Researching the best-growing methods mitigates risk, and knowing the competition’s market prices help you set pricing and earn a profit.
How Much Capital Do You Need for a Cut Flower Farm?
Starting a cut flower farm often requires more capital than the average garden or small business. The start-up costs often depend on the size of the operation and where it is located, but they generally include land, seeds or plants and bulbs, tools and supplies, labor, marketing expenses and insurance.
To give a ballpark figure, some floriculturists have started their businesses with as little as $1,000, and others spent $20,000 or more.
Of course, there is some variability when it comes to start-up costs, with the figures largely dependent on your farm’s size or whether you invest in high-cost infrastructure (e.g., high tunnels, greenhouse, or irrigation systems).
It’s also good to figure in any labor costs associated with keeping the farm going and any unexpected costs that may arise.
Further Reading for Successful Flower Farming
These books and online articles have inspired thousands to start growing flowers for sale locally.
- The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower’s Guide to Raising & Selling Cut Flowers, by Lynn Byczynski
- DON’T PANIC: A Business Guide to Small Scale Cut Flower Farming Paperback, by Sarah Adams
- 8 Simple Steps to Arrange Flowers Like a Pro, by Better Homes & Gardens
- Postharvest Handling of Cut Flowers and Greens: A Practical Guide for Commercial Growers, Wholesalers, and Retailers, by John Dole, et al.
- The New Organic Grower: A Master’s Manual of Tools & Techniques for the Home & Market Gardener, by Eliot Coleman
- Grow Organic: Over 250 Tips & Ideas for Growing Flowers, Veggie, Lawns & More, by Doug Oster & Jessica Walliser
- The Care and Handling of Cut Flowers, by the Oklahoma State University Extension
Related Small Business Trends Articles for More Reading
The Bottom Line
Starting a flower farm is more than just planting seeds; it’s about nurturing a vision, cultivating passion, and watching your entrepreneurial dreams bloom. Whether you’re inspired by the vibrant hues of petals or the prospect of turning a profit, here are the essential takeaways from our comprehensive guide:
- Start Small, Dream Big: Every flourishing field begins with a single seed. Launch your venture with a few flower types, focusing on those with high demand. Let your grand vision guide your growth.
- Research & Capital: Delving into best practices for growth and marketing is fundamental. Remember, an initial investment in land, labor, and supplies is crucial to getting your farm off the ground.
- Quality Over Quantity: A garden filled with thriving flowers is more valuable than one overflowing with struggling plants.
- Stay Updated: The realm of flower farming is constantly evolving. Be a perennial learner, absorbing new techniques, plant varieties, and market insights.
- Combat Challenges: A successful flower farm isn’t just about growth but also understanding how to tackle diseases and pests.
- Nurture Nature: As a flower farmer, your bond with the earth is sacrosanct. Respect and nourish this relationship, and nature will reciprocate in kind.
With the right mix of passion, knowledge, and dedication, you’ll not only see your flowers flourish but also witness the blossoming of a profitable venture. So, here’s to planting the seeds of today and reaping the colorful rewards of tomorrow. Happy farming!
Flower Farming FAQs
We hope you enjoyed our beginner’s guide to flower farming and found it helpful! Here are some helpful FAQs for entrepreneurs wanting to know how to start a farm.
How do flower farmers make money?
Flower farmers make money by selling at farmers’ markets. They can also sell fresh cut flowers directly to florists, restaurants or through flower delivery services. They can also offer workshops to teach others how to grow and care for their flowers. Also, if you have any leftover flowers after the harvest, give some away – it’s a wonderful way to spread the joy that flowers bring!
Do florists buy from local flower farms?
Yes, many florists buy locally grown flowers from flower farms. This helps support the local economy and provides customers with fresh-cut, high-quality blooms.
What’s the difference between annual and perennial flowers?
Annual flowers are those that complete their life cycle within one year, while perennial flowers can live multiple years. Annuals tend to be hardier and easier to grow, while perennials require more skill and knowledge.
What’s the competition like in flower growing?
The competition in growing and selling flowers can be quite high, especially if you are targeting a specific market. It is important to understand the local market and what makes your flowers stand out from the competition. Researching other flower farms in the area and understanding their pricing structures can also help inform your decision-making process.
What flowers are best for a bouquet?
It depends on what the bouquet will be used for. For instance, you’ll often see lilies, roses and tulips used in weddings. Additionally, some hardy annuals, such as black-eyed Susans, work well in bouquets. When arranging bouquets, it’s important to consider the colors, shapes and textures that you want when choosing flowers.
What tips and tricks do professional flower farmers have?
Professional flower farmers often employ a variety of strategies, such as rotating crops to reduce pest and disease risk, planting in succession to ensure a steady supply of flowers throughout the year, and using mulch and organic fertilizers to improve soil nutrient levels.
Another important lesson in your first-year flower farming is that there is always more to do tomorrow. One specific tip is that heat mats are good for certain plants that thrive with heat. For instance, zinnias and basil will grow better inside if you use a heat mat.
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