Cut Flower Directory

8/10/2019 Cut Flower Directory

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Cut Flower Manual

Dear Cut Flower Enthusiast:

Today its as easy to buy a bouquet of cut flowers as it is to pick up a loaf of bread. Juststop at the supermarket, and youll see what I mean. upermarket chains ha!e enteredthe floral business in a bi" way. #ationwide, sales of cut flowers are risin" faster insupermarkets than any other floral product.

Florists also report a boomin" business. $ut most sales do nothin" to benefit Te%asfarmers. &hile Te%ans spend some '()* million annually on cut flowers and relatedproducts, ++ percent of cut flowers sold in our state are not "rown here a loss fora"riculture and the Te%as economy.

$etween -u"ust +++ and -u"ust (///, nearly (01 million cut flowers and "reenerystems crossed the Te%as2Me%ico border, headed for buyers in Te%as and other states.

Millions more were deli!ered from California, Florida, Michi"an, 3re"on, -ri4ona and#ew Me%ico. 5!en the celebrated yellow rose of Te%as history and le"end is imported.

Clearly, theres a bi" market, but only about (1 Te%as "rowers are helpin" to fill it. Ibelie!e we can do better. Te%as ranks third nationally in horticulture. #ursery2"reenhouse production is the states second leadin" a"ricultural sector. In (//, Te%asnursery2"reenhouse crops were !alued at almost '.( billion, includin" '()6 million infloriculture products, but cut flowers contributed a mere fraction of that total.

Thats not to say anyone can "row cut flowers. Its a serious business that requiresknowled"e of crop production and a ma7or in!estment of time and money. 8ike any typeof a"riculture, its demandin" work that calls for total commitment. To "i!e you an idea

of what it takes, the Te%as 9epartment of -"riculture has published the Te%as CutFlower Manual. This manual offers an o!er!iew of the industry and basic information onproduction, har!estin" and marketin". Its a first step. If you are interested in"oin" further, we ha!e also published a Te%as Cut Flower :esource ;uide that lists awealth of sources for more in2depth information.

T9- is committed to rural and a"ribusiness de!elopment.


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>nited tates-mericans are spendin" more than e!er on fresh cut flowers. The >.. 9epartment of-"riculture 5conomic :esearch er!ice reports that >.. consumers purchased some'?.1 billion worth of cut flowers and "reenery in ++?. .. floral industryincludes more than (0,/// retail florist shopsB (),/// supermarkets with floraldepartmentsB more than /,/// retail nurseries, lawn and "arden supply storesB +1/wholesalersB and more than +,/// "rowers.

&ithout a doubt, the >.. floral industry is bloomin", but mostly with flowers "rownoutside the country. Import wholesalers supply almost +/ percent of cut flowers to thenations florist shops and *1 percent to supermarkets. The >.. 9epartment of

-"riculture reports the !alue of >.. imports of "reenhouse and nursery productsreached '. billion in ++?. Cut flowers and cut "reens accountin" for 6* percent ofthat fi"ure were imported from 8atin -merica and the #etherlands. 9omestic "rowershare of the >.. floral market fell from 61 percent in ++ to *0 percent in ++?.

3n the bri"hter side, production !alues for floriculture crops ha!e been risin". Totalwholesale !alue for >.. floriculture crops 7umped ) percent from +++ to (///.

Te%as$y pro!idin" selection, quality and reasonable prices, Te%as "rowers are de!elopin" amarket niche for specialty cut flowers deli!ered faster and fresher to retail markets.

pecialty cut flowers represent a small se"ment of the states second2leadin"a"ricultural sector, the '.( billion nursery2"reenhouse industry. roducers sell their

colorful crops mostly to supermarkets with retail floral centers or directly to consumersat farmers markets and farm stands. - few sell to florists. Most produce !ariousseasonal !arieties sold in sin"le or mi%ed bunches and bouquets.

&ith less than '1//,/// in annual production, "rowers are barely tappin" the states'()* million retail market of ),/// florist shops and floral centers, includin" supermarketfloral departments. #early all the flowers sold at these outlets are forei"n or domesticimports. 3nly about (1 "rowers in the


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retail market. =e"etable and herb producers, "reenhouse and nursery "rowers andtraditional crop farmers willin" to meet the challen"es of intense horticultural productionare amon" the likeliest candidates to con!ert this market potential into e%tra earnin"s.

&hile hotels, restaurants and caterers can be "ood local markets, supermarketsprobably offer the best sales opportunities for "rowers who can produce quality flowers

in lar"e enou"h quantities. 3n a!era"e, supermarkets must discard * percent of cutflower purchases compared with 6 percent of fresh produce. Concerned about the hi"hrate of loss, they are lookin" for in2state and local suppliers who can pro!ide flowerswith a lon"er !ase life.

Te%as2"rown flowers ha!e two distinct marketin" ad!anta"es. First, they are fresher. Inmost cases, they can be ready for retail sale on the day of cuttin" or within *? hours.;ettin" to market faster increases their shelf life, a plus for retailers, who would buymore if they could "et them.

econd, Te%as flowers cost less to transport. rices for international and domesticimports reflect shippin" costs includin" packin", frei"ht and customs fees. Te%as

"rowers who minimi4e frei"ht and packin" costs without compromisin" quality or !aselife increase their opportunity to compete successfully.

The states re"ional and biolo"ical di!ersity offers a third benefit. roducers candi!ersify cut flower production with Te%as nati!e or naturali4ed flowers, woodyornamentals, trees and "rasses. #ati!e plants may be used for fresh and driedarran"ements. &hile they brin" a lower return than cut flowers, they are not as fra"ile orlabor2intensi!e.

Te%as -d!anta"es D Market otential9elicate flowers that ship poorly o!er lon" distances and may be e%pensi!e whena!ailable napdra"ons, for e%ample, must be shipped upri"ht and not in bo%es.

&hen transported lon" distances, they may look less full or crushed. Einnias also shippoorly and ha!e little or no competition in Te%as.Flowers either with a short !ase life or similar to types with a short !ase life whenshipped lon" distances These include delphiniums, sweet peas and snapdra"ons.

Flowers marketed locally and re"ionally to reduce transportation and deli!ery costs $i", hea!y sunflowers, for instance, cost a lot to ship from out of state.

Cultural preferences Te%ans prefer bi", bold flowers, makin" this a "ood market forsunflowers, 4innias and other lar"e, bri"htly colored blooms.

5arly2 and late2season crops Certain !arieties can be produced in winter, especiallyfor holidays such as Christmas and =alentines 9ay, when there is less competition.5arly season "ladiolas would face some competition from imports but beat the

northern crop to market.

It is impossible to accurately predict the market potential for Te%as2"rown cut flowers,but clearly it is si"nificant. -s many as ,// 7obs mi"ht be created directly and se!eralhundred more indirectly from this new industry. These estimates assume that Te%asflowers would simply replace flowers brou"ht in from outside the state. The fi"ureswould be hi"her if a new and distinct market were created for Te%as2"rown cut flowers.

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/ $asic Thin"s ou #eed to Gnow..;rowin" flowers requires intensi!e mana"ement and production skills. Intermediate toad!anced knowled"e of cut flower or similar crop production systems is recommended.

.(.&hether your production site and irri"ation source are adequate to "row cut flowers Check with your county a"ent. &ater and soil will probably ha!e to be tested. &ater!olume must be sufficient to handle the si4e of the proposed crop. 9rip irri"ation worksbest and sa!es water, but sprinkler and furrow irri"ation adapt to certain productionsystems and areas of the state.

.).9- :isk Mana"ement-"ency.

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.0.3btain worker protection and compensation insurance if labor other than familymembers will work on the farm. Contact the Te%as &orkers CompensationCommission, 1( ?/*2**)1B fa% 1( ?/*2**)B &eb sitewww.tdi.state.t%.usLwcLinde%.htm.

.?.Make sure you ha!e the proper licenses and re"istrations for on2farm and commercial!ehicles. To re"ister !ehicles contact the Te%as 9epartment of Transportation, 1(*6)2?1??B &eb site www.dot.state.t%.us. For licenses, apply at your nearest9epartment of ublic afety office.

.+.-pply to the Te%as 9epartment of -"riculture for a nurseryLfloral license. For informationcall ?// T5882T9- or 1( *6)26*00B fa% 1( *6)2?((1B &eb sitewww.a"r.state.t%.us.

./.If re"ulated herbicides or state2limited2use or restricted2use pesticides will be applied,obtain a pri!ate applicator license from T9-. For information call ?// T5882T9- or1( +)62(6)?B fa% 1( *6)26?B &eb site www.a"r.state.t%.us.

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tep2$y2tep roductionour production site has passed the test for soil and water quality. ou ha!e completedan economic and capital in!estment plan. The bank has appro!ed your loan. Its time tobuild your infrastructure, buy seed, bulbs and transplants and start "rowin" flowers.Most cut flowers in Te%as are raised outdoors in field2nursery production systems. The

system requires a basic "reenhouse to propa"ate transplants. For best adaptability andhardiness, choose hi"h2quality, locally "rown transplants or plu"s. atented !arieties area!ailable from contracted "rowers or suppliers.

- "reenhouse also e%tends the "rowin" season and lets you produce more flower!arieties. It can be used for production durin" winter or whene!er the weather is notconduci!e to "rowin" outdoors. Certain flower !arieties can be "rown only in"reenhouses, while others require "reenhouse protection in areas of Te%as with shorter"rowin" seasons. ;reenhouses should be equipped with automatic coolin", heatin" andli"ht2shade ad7ustment systems. Irri"ation may be manual or automated.

Fields are transplanted with "reenhouse2"rown transplants or direct planted with bulbs,

tubers or rhi4omes. ome "rowers seed their fields or plant from cuttin"s. Crops areplanted in raised beds, furrows or as row crops, dependin" on cut flower type or "rowerpreference. Many !arieties require stakin", trellisin" or nettin" or will ha!e better qualitywhen pro!ided these supports. It may be necessary to erect shadehouses orhoophouses to "i!e flower crops e%tra protection. These cur!ed metal structuresco!ered in plastic or shadecloth are placed o!er plants "rowin" in the field. They areused for !arieties that need modified "rowin" conditionsB to pro!ide coolin" and shadedurin" summerB e%tend the production season into fall or winterB and as coldframes toproduce early season crops or transplants for early sprin" plantin". They may also beused to acclimate "reenhouse2"rown transplants for more adaptability and hardinessbefore plantin".

9rip Irri"ation3!erhead waterin" increases the chance of disease and reduces flower quality.uccessful "rowers recommend installin" drip irri"ation, adaptable to "reenhouse,shadehouse or field production. -lthou"h drip irri"ation costs more to install andmaintain than sprinkler or furrow systems, the lower water costs and increased waterefficiency it pro!ides make it preferable. $efore in!estin" in drip irri"ation, be sure yourirri"ation source is adequate for the si4e of your operation and the quantity and qualityof cut flowers you want to produce. - licensed professional irri"ator is needed to desi"nthe system, which should include a pump of the proper type and si4e a manual, di"ital or computer controller system for the irri"ation cycle, pressure andwater !olume a flow meter to measure the quantity of water applied

an adequate filter system an optional fertili4er or pesticide in7ector a back flow !al!e to pre!ent rechar"e back into the water source required if afertili4er orpesticide in7ector is used a main, header and lateral pipe supply lines, !al!es, controllers and connectors a drip tape or drip lines with internal emitters.


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Cut flower quality should be at its peak at the moment of har!est. ome flowers arepicked before openin", others when florets are half or fully open. 9- does not ha!e cut flower "radin" standards, certain characteristicsdetermine flower quality. Factors on which to base cut flower "radin" include stemlen"th, strai"htness and stren"th, flower si4e, !ase life, lack of defects, maturity,uniformity and folia"e quality. Flowers that do not meet quality and maturity standardswill fetch lower prices and ha!e a reduced ability to sell. Tie trimmed flowers intobunches and insert into floral slee!es and containers for shippin" or deli!ery. Completedbunches or flowers awaitin" bunchin" in containers should be placed in cold stora"ebefore deli!ery or until they are sold on the farm. torin" flowers in cool temperatures isthe most important factor in maintainin" freshness.

Cool temperatures lower respiration rates and water loss. They also reduce ethyleneproduction and flower sensiti!ity to ethylene. :ecommended stora"e temperatures !aryaccordin" to flower type and de!elopment sta"e when picked.

Flowers must be transported to buyers in a temperature2 and humidity2controlleden!ironment. It is important to conduct !ase life tests to check the quality of flower!arieties you produce. rofessional florists and floral buyers can often recommend post2har!est treatments and materials to increase cut flower quality and !ase life.

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Marketin" and romotionCongratulations! Youve come this far. Now how do you market your croMost Te%as producers sell directly to local markets supermarkets, full2ser!ice floralcenters and florists. 8abeled Te%as sually flowersare transported in buckets or other containers of water and floral preser!ati!e solutions

to a store or warehouse. If you want to sell to a local or area store, make that part ofyour ne"otiations. :etail "rocery chains and wholesale buyers require rice 8ook >p8> codes or > bar codes. ome add the codes after purchase, while others preferflowers to be coded by the seller. Check to find out.

:etail florists, restaurants, hotels and caterers also offer potential sales. -s withsupermarkets, you need a pre2arran"ed commitment or contract and an a"reement onquality, quantity and deli!ery. &hen direct deli!ery is not possible, producers packa"e instandard floral bo%es to o!erni"ht ship directly to retail floral shops.

roducers with small acrea"e may prefer to sell direct at on2farm @pick your ownAoperations and stands or at local farmers markets.


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i"nin" >pTe%as a"ricultural producers and a"ribusinesses can apply for membership in the ;3T5N-# pro"ram at any time. - '(1 annual re"istration fee includes

>se of ;3 T5N-# lo"o

articipation in the ;3 T5N-# database listed on the Te%as 9epartment of-"ricultures &eb site and a!ailable to buyers around the world articipation in retail promotions Joint ad!ertisin" opportunities articipation in statewide and national industry trade, consumer and li!estock shows Marketin" support throu"h T9-s use of broadcast and print ad!ertisements Info letters on upcomin" marketin" e!ents and industry news and information International marketin" opportunities

8earn more about ;3 T5N-# by !isitin" www.;3T5N-#.or" or by callin" ?00 ++;32T5N.

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;rowin"


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culinary herbs, consider popular @tea herbsA such as lemon balm and soothin" aromaticslike la!ender. In!ite the public to your "reenhouse for workshops on the culinary andmedicinal uses of herbs. If you "row outdoors or plan a demonstration "arden, scheduleeducational walks.


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Te%as2;rown Commercial CutFlowers

Cut Flower Types roduced Commerciallyin Te%as;rowers raise more than 0/ types of commercial cut flowers, includin" sunflowers,;erbera daisies, alstroemeria, iris and delphinium 222 some of the !arieties in "reatestdemand at Te%as supermarkets. 3ne chain reported a decline in sales of carnations and"reater interest in specialty flowers such as Te%as2"rown seasonal bunches andbouquets of sin"le and mi%ed !arieties. The chan"e was attributed to "reater consumerknowled"e about cut flower types. 3ther flowers popular with Te%as consumers includered roses, tar"a4er lilies, orchid stems, tuberoses and tulips.

Thou"h Te%as roses "enerally are container or bare2rooted plants used for landscapin"and "ardenin", the rose industry mi"ht be able to "ain a niche producin" cut "ardenroses for local and e!en commercial markets. 3ther products with market potentialinclude Te%as bluebonnets, currently "rown in small quantities, Te%as woodyornamentals and flowerin" trees. #ati!e and adapted "rasses and "rains also pro!idecut flower and folia"e sources. Most cut flowers are annuals, suited for field and"reenhouse production, but bienniels also make e%cellent cut flowers. $ienniels requiretwo "rowin" seasons, includin" o!erwinterin" or cold treatment, before flowerin".

erennials produce each "rowin" season but flower only durin" specific periods. Manywill perform as annuals in more northern and western re"ions of Te%as. $ulbs, corms,tubers and rhi4omes are best suited for field production, "enerally flowerin" in sprin",

summer or fall. They can also be forced to bloom in "reenhouse or shadeclothproduction systems.

The followin" cut flower types are produced commercially in Te%as. #umerous !arietiesof these types ha!e the "reatest potential for quality production and marketability.



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Texas List of Commercially Grown Cut Flowers

-chillea ;ypsophila tatice :attail

-croclinum


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;uide to -!era"e roduction easons forTe%as ;rown Cut Flowers

The chart on the followin" pa"e lists the most common commercially produced flowertypes for Te%as and the a!era"e statewide production season. These periods will beshorter or lon"er dependin" upon the "rowin" season of the production re"ion i.e.


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/ Frequently -sked Puestions

". Can # grow cut flowers in my area of the state

-. Some types of cut flowers can be grown in most areas of Texas. To produce qualitycrops and reduce weather effects, your site should have natural or established

protection. The soil should be tested and adequate for most horticulture crops. You cangrow cut flowers in fields, greenhouses and shadehouses.

". $ow can # find out if my farm has the right soil and other conditions to growcut flowers

-. Texas Cooperative Extension horticulturists and county agents in your area can helpdetermine your farms potential. They can also provide soil and water quality test !itsthat you can send to Texas "#$ laboratories for analysis and recommendations.

". %here do # find sources of seeds and translants

- $ost ma%or seed companies sell numerous cut flower types and varieties. The"ssociation of Specialty Cut &lower 'rowers (irectory and )uyers 'uide advertisesmost ma%or seed and propagation supply companies. Cut flower growers may have

propagation materials or be able to refer you to growers with varieties they haveselected, bred or propagated.

". %here can # find information on how to grow cut flowers

". $any boo!s and publications are available in ma%or boo!stores. $any state universityand extension programs have publications on commercial production. There is also aresource list located at the bac! of the manual, which contains good reference material.

". %hat varieties will grow &est in my area

-. Stephen &. "ustin *niversity has done extensive research on cut flowers and may beable to offersome insight on which varieties have wor!ed best. +!lahoma State*niversity and ansas State *niversity have numerous publications on cut flowers,including recommended varieties for the Southwest that apply to Texas -see listings inT("s Cut &lower esource 'uide/. $ost seed or propagation material suppliers



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indicate growing regions for their varieties and may have a technical representative inyour area who can assist you. You can also as! local producers and professionalnurserymen to recommend suitable varieties.

". %here can # market cut flowers

-. $ost Texas producers grow for local mar!ets. Some sell at local farmers mar!ets oron0farm at 1pic!0your0own1 and farm stands. $ost mar!et directly to grocery stores andlocal florists. 2otels, restaurants and local catering services also provide good localmar!ets. Some larger growers sell to floral buyers and distributors or ship to floralretailers in Texas and out of state. The Texas (epartment of "gricultures '+ TE3"4mar!eting and promotion program and T("s statewide mar!eting staff can help youfind buyers and assist you in promotion.

". #s there a cut flower growers organi'ation or association in (e)as

-. Texas is a member of the "ssociation of Specialty Cut &lower 'rowers, egion 50South, which also includes "r!ansas, 6ouisiana, 4ew $exico and +!lahoma. Theassociation publishes an annual directory and buyers guide and a monthly newsletter,The Cut Flower Puarterly, which has reports and articles of interest to Texas andSouthwestern growers. egion 50South growers meet bi0annually, and the nationalorgani7ation holds an annual conference.

". %here can # find a list of &uyers or florists to urchase my cut flowers

". The Texas State &lorists "ssociation in "ustin has a statewide membership offlorists, floral buyers and producers. The association publishes an annual membershipdirectory and buyers guide and a monthly maga7ine, The $loomin Te%an, and hosts anannual trade show in 8uly. TS&", in con%unction with the Texas "#$ 2orticulture(epartments )en7 School of &lorists, provides statewide seminars and training in floralarranging, mar!eting and promotion.

". %hat kind of licenses do # need to grow cut flowers

-. The Texas (epartment of "griculture requires producers, distributors and retailers ofcut flowersin Texas to obtain the proper T(" nursery9floral registration. :roducers whoapply restricted0useor state0limited0use pesticides or regulated herbicides must get a

private applicator license from T(" and obtain continuing education units to maintaintheir license.



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". %here can # get a listing of current cut flower growers

-. Contact the Texas (epartment of "griculture;s '+ TE3"4 program by calling->'+0TE3 or visit the :ic! Texas ?eb site at www.:ic!Texas.com.



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Te%as2;rown Cut Flower :esources

Cut Flower *esource Directory

The Te%as 9epartment of -"riculture has compiled a resource directory packed withinformation to help you network with the e%perts and learn more about cut flowerproduction. The directory lists in!aluable contacts, publications and &eb sites. Itincludes "rower, commodity and trade associationsB Te%as Cooperati!e 5%tensionhorticulturistsB and Te%as colle"e and uni!ersity horticulture pro"rams. oull find namesof contacts, addresses and Internet hyperlinks to publications and other resources oncut flower and nursery2"reenhouse production, economics, marketin" and floral desi"n.

+rower, Commodity and (rade -ssociations-merican Institute of Floral 9esi"ners, 0(/ 8i"ht t., $altimore, Maryland, (()/,hone */ 01(2))?, Fa% */ 01(2?(+1, 52mail infoQaifd.or", &eb sitewww.aifd.or"

-ssociation of pecialty Cut Flower ;rowers, .3. $o% (6?, 3berlin, 3hio, **/0*, 52

mail7udyQascf".or", hone **/ 00*2(??0, Fa% **/ 00*2(*)1, &eb sitewww.ascf".or"

California Cut Flower Commission, 0)


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The ociety of -merican Florists, 6/ 9uke treet, -le%andria, =ir"inia, (()/6, hone0/) ?)62?0//, Fa% 0/) ?)62?0/1, &eb site www.safnow.or"

u&lications&ield 'rown Cut &lowers, ++? (nd ed., -!atars &orld, 5d"erton, &isconsin, 1)1)*,

I$# /2 +61)/612/2N, te!ens, 9r. -lan $., -ssociate rofessor of ni!ersity, (/( Throckmorton lant ciences Center, Gansas tate >ni!ersity,Manhattan, Gansas, 661/62 11/6 hone ?6 ?+?2?/0 or 0?1 1)(260/, Fa% 0?11)(26+*+, 52mail aste!ensQmidusa.net, &eb site www.o4net.ksu.eduLdpRhfrr

&loriculture, :rinciples and Species, +++, rentice pper addle :i!er, #ewJersey, /0*1?, I$# /2)2)0*0/)2*, 9ole, 9r. John M., rofessor of Floriculture,3klahoma tate >ni!ersity,


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#ndustry /tatistics++? Census of 9- 5conomic :esearch er!ice, 1(?1 ort :oyal:oad,

prin"field, =ir"inia, ((6, hone ?// +++2600+ or 0/) 6/1226+//, &eb sitewww.ers.usda."o!Lrodsr!sLreports.htm

>9- #ational -"ricultural tatistics er!ice, 1(?1 ort :oyal :oad, prin"field,=ir"inia, ((6, hone ?// 0(02+1*/ or (/( 0(/2)?0?, &eb sitewww.usda."o!LnassLpubsLcatalo".htm

(e)as -01 2niversity /ystem 3 (e)as Cooerative E)tension

E)tension $orticulture /ecialists

9r. Mar!in 8. $aker, rofessor and 5%tension


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9r. 8ynn $randenber"er, -ssociate rofessor and 5%tension rsuline, $ryan, Te%as, 00?/62(+0, hone +0+ ?()2?0+e%t (*/



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(e)as County E)tension $orticulturists

4e)ar County5dna 3rti4, County 5%tension -"ent2


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+alveston County&illiam Johnson, County 5%tension -"ent2-" horticulturist, 11


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(om +reen County

John 5. $e"naud, County 5%tension -"ent2


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D ?ays to "chieve Shrin! Controlhttp99aggie0horticulture.tamu.edu9greenhouse9nursery9guides9ornamentals9shrin!.html

Entomology3#1

9r. &illiam at Morrison, -ssociate 9epartment


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Te%as Cooperati!e 5%tension httpLLa""ie2horticulture.tamu.eduLima"emapLtae%mapLtae%map.html


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NOTES

Documents

Cut Flower Directory