Field Grown Flowers

Where I live in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia fall means not only the end of summer but also the planting of spring flowering bulbs. This area of the province with its temperate climate is one of the best places to produce bulbs and field-cut flowers. Many of the flower farmers successfully farm on only a few acres.

Every spring the local farms produce tens of thousands of flowers for the local retail and wholesale markets. The rich soil and ideal growing conditions make daffodils a popular choice. South of here in Washington State tulips are a major tourist attraction. The annual tulip festival in Skagit County draws people from all over to walk among the brightly colored fields of tulips.

Our area has seen steady growth in the industry and there is no sign it is going to let up soon. Most local small producers sell their crops thru roadside stands. Larger farmers sell to flower co-operatives, wholesalers and retailers.

Many things, such as the economy, our customs and market demands, influence British Columbian flower production. The competition can be fierce and low prices can make profit margins small. Flower sales can be irregular and influenced by Mother Nature. As the product is perishable, there is always a degree of risk involved. Growing spring flowers requires careful planning and attention to detail. Development of specialized markets can also be beneficial to the farmer.

It is generally better to plant traditional flowers and gradually explore the potential of exotic varieties. The soil and environmental conditions on your farm will determine what flowers will grow best in your area. An ideal site for flower production will have well-drained and fertile soil. The flowers will need access to full sun to develop properly. The land should be relatively level. Some kind of protection from strong winds such as the use of windbreaks is also important to prevent damage to the plants. Once the ideal site is found and the plants best suited for your farm determined, the farmer can decide what products he wants to market. Farmers who specialize in one product, i.e., cut flowers, are more susceptible to market conditions.

Growing flowers can be very labour-intensive. The small-scale farmers will usually do all the work themselves. Planting and harvesting a small area can be performed by hand with available garden tools. Larger operations will use tractor-powered root harvesting and planting equipment to make the job easier. However, there still will be a need for qualified and reliable help during peak times, particularly during harvesting and planting. The ability of the farmer to meet these peak labour needs can determine if the enterprise will make a profit that year.

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