Starting out
Growing cut flowers is considered one of the most profitable businesses for small growers in the United Kingdom. Many of them start small, selling flowers where they can, usually to florists and restaurants, maybe even local farmer’s markets… As your customers’ demands grow, you can earn much more money, up to £30,000.00 per acre!
Why cut flowers? They are a perfect cash crop, as they are easy to grow and do so quickly, and supply decent income during their season. You don’t need much to get started; most gardeners already have all the tools they need; the only thing left is to buy the seeds.
Top Ten Cut Flowers
Which plants are good? Which ones are easy to grow? Can you make a profit with any type? Here is a suggestion of top ten cut flowers to buy for profit:
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Ageratum
This cut flower is a top choice for any grower. Its vivid colors can make any bouquet bring a smile to a woman’s face. In continuous production, this plant can bloom from spring to autumn.
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Scabiosa
Scabiosa, commonly known as pincushion flower, is a great cut flower choice. It has a great variety of colors, ranging from white to dark. For maximum bloom harvest, you should plant it every 2 to 3 weeks.
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Larkspur
Complex flowers make this a fun choice. Most seed suppliers offer a variety of colors, so you can mix-and-match to your liking.
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Snapdragon
You want to start planting this one indoors and transplant as it grows. It takes snapdragons around 120 days to fully mature. It has many colors, so planting more types gives you more options.
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Peony
This popular perennial has hundreds of types. Think about which ones do you need, but whichever you choose, you will not make a mistake as they are always a hit at the market.
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Zinnias
A bouquet of Zinnias is a remarkable thing as they come in many forms, shapes, and colors. As such, they sell quite nicely.
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Sunflowers
Latin name Helianthus Annuus, these flowers don’t bloom until later in the summer. You can usually find them in flower shops even in the offseason because they can and will be imported. Some fast-growing versions are sold at $4-6 per stem.
- Verbena bonariensis
Long, thin stems with beautiful lilac-colored flowers make this flower a popular choice.
- Salvia
An enormous number of all kinds of colors, from scarlet to white, make this flower a top ten candidate. On its long stems, you’ll find an abundance of flowers.
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Yarrow
Botanical name Achillea Millefolium can be harvested within 90 days. It’s useful as it can be seeded directly or transplanted if needed.
Maximizing Profits
There are plenty of options where to sell flowers. Flower shops are always looking for unique specimens, restaurants use flowers in their daily arrangements, and you can even order a bouquet online! These flowers are some of the best sellers on some leading flower delivery websites.
Still, it’s important to know when the prices are highest. A restaurant may pay a double price if they need a large quantity for a banquet. During certain dates and holidays, flower shops are in short supply of certain types of flowers, as its demand grows, so does the price.
Expanding the Business
Here are some ideas to consider that can help your business reach new heights. Create your stall near an office center; many workers will want to improve their workspace, and what better way than with a fresh flower. Recurring customers with built trust can be counted towards safe money.
If you have some extra time, you can contact local wedding and/or event planners and work out a deal that could work out in favor of all parties. Not only will you get constant workload, but your recognition will increase, which in turn increases your worth!
Lastly, some edible flowers are a delicacy in certain cuisines. Try to consult with a chef and grow personalized edible flowers for him. At the very least, some flowers can be used to enhance the visual appeal of an otherwise basic dish.
Make Sure to Keep at It
Most businesses start small, but if you work hard, you can do anything. Some of the largest companies in the world started out small. Make sure to keep your plants well-watered and in good shape.
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Interesting related article: “Best flowers to grow in spring from seeds.”