This conversation explores various aspects of flower farming, focusing on spring blooms, growing techniques, challenges faced by farmers, and the importance of both annuals and perennials. The speakers share their experiences, mistakes, and successes in cultivating flowers, particularly in colder climates. They discuss strategies for fall planting, overwintering techniques for specific plants like eucalyptus, and the significance of timing in seed starting. The conversation concludes with insights on wildflower patches and the overall journey of flower farming. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various innovative planting techniques and strategies for flower farming, focusing on specific flowers like peonies, tulips, anemones, and feverfew. They share personal experiences with planting in high tunnels, experimenting with fall planting, and the challenges of timing blooms for events. The discussion also covers the use of frost cloth versus plastic for plant protection and the importance of staggering plantings to ensure a continuous supply of flowers throughout the growing season.

Takeaways

• Spring blooms require careful planning and knowledge.
• Mistakes in flower farming can be costly but are learning opportunities.
• High tunnels can significantly extend the growing season.
• Bells of Ireland can be tricky to grow from seed.
• Early planting is crucial for success with cold hardy annuals.
• Perennials play a vital role in early flower production.
• Eucalyptus can be overwintered with proper care and techniques.
• Timing in seed starting is essential for successful blooms.
• Wildflower patches can thrive with the right conditions and care. Experimenting with different planting techniques can yield surprising results.
• Using fabric can help keep the ground warm for early blooms.
• Fall planting can be a viable option if conditions are right.
• Lysianthus can be planted in succession for extended blooms.
• Peonies can benefit from being grown in tunnels for earlier blooms.
• Staggering tulip plantings helps manage bloom timing for events.
• Anemones and ranunculus can be grown together for a longer flowering period.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852