How To Become A Better Cut Flower Business
How do you become a better grower and business manager? Below are some ways you can learn more about growing cut flowers, managing your business, and being successful.
(Tip: Add any events you’re interested into your calendar now!)
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (The ASCFG)
Joining the ASCFG back in 1998 changed the trajectory of my farm immensely. I’m proud to say that I am a lifetime member.
I wouldn’t be working with Ball Seed if I hadn’t joined the ASCFG. Attending regional on-farm meetings, the annual conference, reading the Cut Flower Quarterly, and participating in their online bulletin board (now a private Facebook group) gave me the knowledge and exposure to the cut flower world that wasn’t available anywhere else.
If you aren’t already an ASCFG Member, I highly recommend you join. You can find out more about the organization at www.ascfg.org.
ASCFG 2027 on-Farm Events
California Dreaming
Calistoga, Calif., March 9 & 10, 2027
Buckeyes & Blooms
Columbus, Ohio, April 20 & 21, 2027
Hudson Valley Farm Crawl
Hudson Valley, N.Y., July 13 & 14, 2027
Blooming in the True North
Toronto, Ont., Canada Dates TBD
ASCFG 2028 Conference
Savannah, Ga., January 30 - February 2, 2028
Note: This is an early-preview of future ASCFG events that will be posted on their website soon. Registration details will be available then.
I attended four ASCFG Farm Tours this summer. Each farm was different, and each was a great learning and networking event. Here are some photos from those events.
I visited the University of Georgia Trial Garden in Athens, Ga., last week with Dr. Allan Armitage (pictured above) and saw these Curcuma Thai Spice™ plants. These were planted from liners in April and have thrived all summer, with each plant producing up to a dozen flowers each. They’re exclusive to Ball Seed. Marketed as a summer tropical plant, they make a great, unique cut flower with a vase life of two weeks or more.
Pictured below is Mimo Davis, who is selling Curcuma for $10 per stem at a St. Louis farmer’s market. Liners are available for shipping next March and April from Sunbelt Greenhouses in 72-cell trays, priced at $2.01 per plant, with a one-tray minimum per order.
Look on WebTrack for “Curcuma” with SUNB (Sunbelt) as the supplier. Even at just $4 per stem, and 10 stems per plant, that’s $40 in sales from a $2 plant.
There are three colors available. Detailed Curcuma growing info can be found HERE.
The Gardener’s Workshop
Another great way to learn more about the business of flower farming is with online classes with The Gardener’s Workshop. There are several in-depth classes offered including the basics of setting up your business and starting out with annuals; advancing to bulbs, perennials and woodies; and then growing in greenhouses and tunnels.
Also available are classes about working with florists, creating workshops, growing “cool flowers,” creating beautiful holiday amaryllis gardens, and more. For more info about all the classes and resourses from The Gardener’s Workshop, click HERE.
DirtCon
DirtCon 2027 is an online virtual conference taking place January 9 & 10, 2027.
With 16 presenters, there will be plenty of great information available to help you succeed in 2027 and beyond. Click on my affiliate link HERE that will have complete information about the speakers and subjects covered at the conference.
European Cut Flower Tour
I’ll be leading a small group of fellow cut flower growers and designers on a trip to France and Holland, April 3-11, to visit the breeders and producers of many of the cut flowers you grow and use. We’ll be visiting the Amandine and La Belle Ranunculus breeder in France, then travel to Amsterdam to visit a Dahlia breeder, Perennial suppliers, Butterfly and Romance Ranunculus trials, the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.
Trip info can be found HERE >>
Pricing, complete details and online registration can be found HERE >>
As always, if you need help placing an order or have questions about your account, contact your local Ball Seed Sales Rep, or the Ball ColorLink office at 800-686-7380, ColorLink Email: colorlinkorders@ballhort.com.