UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Producing cut flowers as a specialty crop can be a lucrative move for some farmers, but a Penn State Cooperative Extension agent says producers should be aware of the requirements for making the crop profitable.

"Increasing demand has made fresh cut flowers a growing market, but producing this crop is not for everyone," says Steve Bogash, horticultural extension agent in Blair County. "Flowers have special production methods, a short shelf life and a short field growth and marketing season in Pennsylvania."

Bogash says Pennsylvania growers can have a competitive advantage over foreign suppliers because of Pennsylvania's proximity to major eastern population centers. "Local growers can provide a 48-hour freshness advantage that can be a real marketing tool in a business where shelf life is so important," Bogash says.

"Farmers first should consider how to market their flowers," says Robert Berghage, assistant professor of horticulture in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "Cut flowers usually are sold by the bunch, in arranged bouquets or individually. Producers should research a marketing method that works for them."

Berghage lists several marketing alternatives.

--Wholesale. Wholesale distributors buy and resell flowers for a predetermined price. Prices vary by region and can be subject to large fluctuations in the market.

--Florists. Marketing surveys have shown that many florists are willing to buy locally grown flowers. "They will expect the same high quality and service they receive from their other suppliers," Berghage says.

--Pick-your-own, roadside markets and farm markets. These markets provide higher prices per unit, but overhead costs such as advertising, facilities and maintenance usually are borne by the producer.

Bogash also points out that producers should consider the following:

--Site. The site should be well-drained and have deep, fertile soil. "Raised beds with plastic mulch will give the best results and keep weeds down," Bogash says. "With raised beds, the sun can heat from the sides as well as the top, and the mounded soil improves drainage.

--Planting. Cut flowers are grown from transplants or plugs, Bogash explains. New growers, or those with small plots, can plant by hand, but mechanical planters will speed up the process. "Plant spacings will vary according to the species or cultivar," he says.

--Irrigation. A drip irrigation tape should be used for efficiency, to keep water off leaves and flowers and allow for easier fertilizer applications delivered by irrigation water.

--Wind protection and support. Cut flowers are easily damaged by winds. Producers can use live plants or fencing for windbreaks. Some flower species also require support. Bogash recommends plastic mesh products that provide a grid of support to encourage upright growth.

--Pest Control. Cut flower plants attract a wide range of pests. "Keep careful records and scout your plants often to discover pests early," Bogash says.

Insects that can be a problem in flower plots include aphids, thrips, spider mites, leafhoppers, beetles and caterpillars. "They often can be controlled by natural parasites and predators, which can be bought from biological control companies or maintained as on-site populations through careful management," Bogash says.

Natural sprays can be used, such as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and extracts of neem oil. "You may have to use synthetic chemical sprays, but to protect beneficial insects, be sure to avoid sprays with a long residual life," Bogash says. "If you must use synthetic sprays, use products that are specifically suited to your needs and have the lowest toxicity for bees."

--Diseases. Fungal diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, damping off, leaf spots and several viruses are a major problem for cut flowers. "Most fungal diseases do not kill the flowers, but they can drastically reduce salability and mar appearance," says Berghage. "Good crop rotation, effective weed and pest control and careful selection of plantings will help rein in diseases."

--Weeds. Bogash says plastic mulches can be used for weed control. Using cereal rye as a cover crop helps build the soil, smother weeds through competition and act as a natural herbicide on many weeds. "Only a handful of herbicides are labeled for flower production," Bogash explains. "Some products control grasses, but very few control broadleaf weeds. Whatever you use, read the product label carefully."

--Harvest. Flowers should be harvested in the morning just after the dew has dried. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to prevent botrytis from infecting future crops.

"Flowers should be placed in water as quickly as possible after cutting," Bogash says. "They should be cooled rapidly to prevent water loss and aging. You should know the blooming habits and bloom life of each flower in your plot, so customers will get long-lasting flowers."

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Steve Bogash at 814-940-5989. To contact Robert Berghage, please call 814-863-2190.

Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax