Field Production of Cut Flowers

Abstract

There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the production of specialty, field-grown cut flowers. While field production of cut flowers is considered to be the development of a new cropping system by some, in reality it is a long-established practice. White (1915) stated in his floriculture textbook: “Previous to 1870 the flower growing business consisted principally of plants for outdoor bedding and for other ornamental purposes. The cut flowers of that period were mostly small-flowered and short-stemmed, such as heliotrope, camellia, tuberose and bouvardia.” Much of the current interest is in production and harvesting of plants previously grown as garden annuals and perennials; however, similar interest also occurred early in this century. White (1915) noted: “There is increasing interest among flower growers in annuals and herbaceous perennials which may be forced for cut flowers.” A list of recommended annuals and herbaceous perennials for cut flowers was published by Taylor (1916). There are several factors that limited field production of cut flowers in the United States. White (1915) states: “Greenhouses for the production of flowers are becoming more and more in demand in the south and west, while in many sections climatic conditions are such that cut flowers may be grown out-of-doors; still, the perfection of blooms, due to the better cultural conditions made possible under glass, and the consequent increased financial returns have encouraged growers to erect glass structures.” In 1930, more than four times the hectarage was devoted to field culture of cut crops than to greenhouse culture (U.S. Census Bureau, 1931). However, the average receipts per hectare for greenhouse-grown cut flowers were 40 times higher than those for field-grown material, although the cost of greenhouse production probably also was higher. Laurie and Ries (1950) published additional comprehensive lists of suggested herbaceous perennials for cut flower production, as well as lists of berry-bearing shrubs for cutting, flowering stems for cutting and forcing, and stems with colored bark for cutting. More recently, several extensive lists have been published on recommended plants for commercial field production of cut flowers (Seals, 1988), cut ornamental grasses (Meyer, 1988), cut grains (Godwin, 1988), cut wildflowers and weeds (Weiler, 1988), bulb crops (DeHertogh, 1989; Armitage, 1989) and woody plants (Dirr, 1989). In recent years, imports have seriously affected U.S. greenhouse production of cut flowers, the reduction changing from >50% of the total floriculture market in 1970 to < 20% in 1987. Two specific markets have been exploited by foreign producers: Dutch growers have captured significant U.S. market share by producing a wide selection of nontraditional cut crops, while the South Americans have captured substantial market share of the traditional florist’s crops (carnations, roses, and chyrsanthemums). The Dutch have gained market share by using cooperatives and extensive marketing programs. Several South American countries have a year-round climate well suited for production of several crops and much lower labor and overhead costs than U.S. producers. Mass marketers have gained a significant share of the U.S. retail cut flower sales, with Kroger now being the largest retail florist in the United States. The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter (1988) stated that “cut flowers and potted plants generated $28 per square foot per year ($301/m) in a supermarket, about twice that generated by fresh produce.” The market size and profit potential have led numerous entrepreneurs to attempt to find a profitable cut flower production and marketing system. In addition, many farmers are seeking ways to diversify their operations and improve profit margins. The predominant idea is that specialty annual and herbaceous perennial crops could be profitably grown in the field, avoiding the high overhead cost of operating a greenhouse. There are many species currently being field-grown with success across the United States for harvest as cut flowers. Some of the more popular and successful crops being produced are Dendranthema, Liatris, Gypsophila, Limonium, and Gladiolus. California and Florida have traditionally been the largest suppliers of fieldgrown cut flowers. Tjia (1985) stated that, in Florida, “new fieldgrown cut flowers such as gerberas, snapdragons, tuberoses, Asiatic hybrid lilies, Dutch iris, and calla lily are replacing more traditional field cut flowers such as spray carnations and chrysanthemums.” There are several critical factors that producers must address to determine their suitability to enter this market.