All About Flowers

How does a Flower Farm Grow?

The first record…We are asked, "Why do I see tomato and corn fields, but I never see flower fields?" The answer is that most cut flowers are grown in greenhouses and not readily seen by the public. It is important to produce blemish free flowers. The protection of a greenhouse helps to ensure perfect flowers. Since flower production is a bit of a mystery to the consumer, let Flowerfarm.com take you on a brief tour of the world of flower production. We will cover SoundBits of information covering:

An Introduction to the World of Commercial Flower Production

Technology and agriculture science has yielded a division called floriculture. It is devoted to the production of floral products.

BEGINNING

The first record of a plant induced to bloom out of season goes back to the 16th century in Denmark. Lilacs were forced into bloom in primitive glass greenhouses for the Danish royal family.

ORIGIN
Commercial cut flower production started in Europe. Greenhouses functioned to mimic the climate of the desired flower. Native plants and species imported from around the world were cultivated. Thus, a flower from the tropics could be cultivated in an artificial environment that simulated its native climate whether the greenhouse was in Holland or England.


GREENHOUSES- HISTORICAL
Until the 20th century greenhouses were constructed primarily of glass, first with wooden frames and supports, later wrought iron. The Victorian era represented the pinnacle of fanciful glasshouse design. Heat would have been supplied originally by wood, later by coal or steam.

GREENHOUSES- MODERN
Depending on the location, greenhouses are still constructed of glass, but also of poly plastic films with lightweight metal frames. The mechanization of many processes include: drip irrigation to water and fertilize the plants, controlled daylight, temperature and air flow systems, typically managed by computer programmed systems.

GROWING AREAS
Flowers are grown commercially on all continents for use around the world. Technology has introduced handling systems that make it possible to transport fresh cut flowers thousands of miles before they are enjoyed. Post-harvest hydration, temperature management, and air transport make this possible. Think of the fruits and vegetables that we consume which are grown in other countries. Floriculture utilizes similar procedures.


DOMESTIC
The 20th century has seen flowers grown commercially in almost every state of the U.S. Initially, European settlers to the Northeast brought growing expertise and established commercial production of popular flowers of the era. Early on, the California coast was identified as an ideal climate for growing flowers. Today, California is the largest domestic growing area for cut flowers.

FLOWER VARIETY TRENDS
The United States has seen many flower types grown commercially. Some popular flowers of years ago are no longer in demand, for example, violets, sweet peas and daisies. Others, such as carnations and roses are enduring favorites. New varieties of these types are always being introduced, so that you can enjoy new colors.

TREND SETTERS
Flowers from around the world are imported to European countries such as the Netherlands and Germany. Here, the per capita consumption of flowers is the highest in the world. The Dutch purchase flowers as frequently as Americans purchase milk and bread. They inspire new variety development in their ongoing interest for new and different flowers.

FLOWER VARIETY HYBRIDIZATION
Europeans in the 17th century were enamoured with the Turkish tulip. So much so, that the Dutch adapted and cultivated (the process of hybridizing) the tulip to the climate of the Netherlands. Thousands of native flowers have been hybridized to yield commercial flower types. A native or wild flower is the source of a commercial flower.

20th CENTURY NEW VARIETIES
Once hybridized, varieties can be cross pollinated to create new varieties. New techniques such as radiation can yield dynamic results for flower colors and shapes.

CLONING
Flower variety replication has been enhanced with the process of cloning, because it duplicates a variety quicker than previously possible. New varieties are available for commercial production in 3 to 4 years rather than the 7 to 10 previously typical.

COMMERCIAL FLOWER TYPES
Have you noticed in recent years the availability of large red roses with 'velvet' textured petals? This variety was cultivated to meet consumer preferences. A new variety must also: grow hardy and free of disease, yield an acceptable volume of flowers in its growing cycle, and transport well. These are the basic criteria for a test hybrid to be selected for commercial cut flower production.

HUMAN CARE
All of the technology involved in producing and assuring high quality flowers can not replace the important step of harvesting cut flowers by hand. Human eyes and hands are required. All of the flowers from one plant are not harvested at the same time. Each flower is allowed to mature to the exact stage of development required before harvesting.

COMMERCIAL VOLUME
Flowers are typically grown in large volume. It can take your breath away to see a two acre greenhouse budding with flowers. While observing the thousands of healthy plants, and the mechanical systems in place, one is fully aware that thorough knowledge and experience is required to generate fresh cut flowers for our enjoyment. Accolades to the floriculturists who produce such a colorful reflection of nature for our enjoyment.

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