In this episode, Jo Robinson shares insights from flower farmers across New Zealand, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and practical lessons for future planning.
Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, these real-world experiences offer valuable takeaways to refine your strategies and boost resilience.
It was a season of "strange weather," featuring early heatwaves, torrential rain, and unexpected hail.
Our thanks to Egmont Seeds for providing some of the images used in this episode.
In this episode:
• Key factors influencing season outcomes
• Common challenges like weather extremes, pests, and crop failures
• Successful crop choices and sales channels
• Practical tips on crop management, pest control, and planting schedules
• Planning for next season based on this year’s lessons
• The importance of resilience and adaptability
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and season overview for flower growers
01:03 - Astrid’s experience at Gulf Harbour
01:33 - Vicky’s weather extremes in Northland
02:13 - Ellie’s slow start using fertiliser teas for flower production
02:51 - Melanie’s rainy season challenges and landscape-growing approach
03:31 - Daisy’s first year in cut flowers and learning curves
04:00 - Penelope’s season as an experienced grower
04:29 - Sophia’s organic practices and rapid early season growth in Canterbury
04:57 - Insights from Jo in Central Otago on spring flowers
05:36 - Emma’s diverse event work and the impact of weather 05:59 - Bronwyn’s resilience and recovery from hail damage
06:16 - Key activities and crops that thrived this season
07:14 - Successes and struggles
08:48 - Astrid’s experience with dahlias
10:10 - Penelope’s standouts
11:00 - Ellie’s high-density dahlias and airflow strategies
11:43 - Melanie’s marigolds and the early season flowering
12:37 - Sophia’s trial and error with spring blooms and mildew issues
14:07 - Jo’s success with tulips and ranunculus
16:29 - Challenges crops this year
19:14 - The impact of weather on crop quality
20:15 - Emma’s rain and temperature challenges with peonies and dahlia
22:19 - Wet winter and spring effects on planting and flowering timelines
23:54 - Adapting to unpredictable weather and wind damage
25:14 - Sale channels: Facebook Groups, wholesale and local markets
29:58 - How growers plan changes for next season
34:39 - Final thoughts: grow what does well where you are, and plan ahead
Key Highlights & Takeaways:
• Sales Strategy: Why a $30/$50 price choice model worked
• Smart Solutions: Using diatomaceous earth for thrip control on Dahlias
• Grow What Works: focus on what thrives in your specific microclimate.
• Get the Transcript: Want to read the full breakdown? Leave a comment on this post/video, and we’ll send you the full transcript!
• Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed these insights, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a Review!
Follow Flower Farming in NZ on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/flower_farming_in_nz/
Already a flower farmer in NZ? Join the private Facebook group Flower Farming in NZ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3293079974103061
#FlowerFarminginNZ #NZFlowerFarmers #NZCutFlowerGrowers #CutFlowers #LocalFlowers #FlowerFarmingPodcast #FlowerFarminginNZPodcast #SustainableGrowing #nzflowergrowers #nzflorists #sustainablefloristry #sustainableflowerfarming
Connect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers.
Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
· Advertising in an episode
· Sponsoring an episode or a season
· Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
