Looking for More Information

The floriculture industry is a fast paced field with changes in marketing trends and new advances in plant materials, equipment, and production techniques occurring daily. The successful business will need to stay abreast of the changes while constantly searching for ways to produce, sell and ship the product better and more efficiently. In addition, an occasional refresher may be needed to relearn old information. A variety of books are available on almost every subject. Trade publications and newsletters can provide the latest information on a specific topic or in a local geographic area. Several of the greenhouse trade journals are free, while many of the organizational magazines and newsletters can be obtained by joining the organization. For those wishing to get in depth information may want to check out the science journals from several horticultural associations.

A variety of local, state and national organizations are available to serve their membership through newsletters, conferences, workshops, and computer bulletin-boards and list servers. Joining an organization and participating in its activities are an excellent way to meet other people in the same business. Cut flower growers should join the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers , a national organization devoted to the production of field and specialty greenhouse cut flowers. Cut flowers growers should also check out the International Cut Flower Growers Association, a national organization which focuses on greenhouse cut flowers. North Carolina floriculture businesses should join the North Carolina Commercial Flower Growers Association.

Conferences, workshops, and other educational meetings are held around the country supplying the latest information on a dizzying array of topics and can provide an excellent way to meet other growers, suppliers, educators, and researchers. Meetings range from small, informal tours and workshops sponsored by the local extension office to large national conferences with dozens of speakers and thousands of participants.

The Cooperative Extension Service is also a good source for general information. In particular, the local county or parish extension office can help with soil, tissue and water tests, irrigation, weed control, mulching options, and compliance with various federal, state and local regulations and laws. Many states have state specialists in the area of floriculture who can provide more in depth information on floriculture crop production. State specialists are often based at the state land-grant universities and can be contacted directly or through the local cooperative extension office.

The internet has the potential to be one of the most valuable methods for obtaining information. Universities, Cooperative Extension Service, other government agencies, grower associations, and private companies all have webpages which can provide important information. NCSU’s floriculture website, www.floricultureinfo.com, is a great place to start. As the internet grows more resources will become available. Be aware, however, that any information can be posted on the internet and not all of it is accurate and useful. The internet can be most valuable as a sources of ideas and leads which can then be verified and expanded upon using more traditional resources.

One of the more important sources of information will always be suppliers of plant materials, fertilizers, chemicals, and equipment. A knowledgeable salesperson who has daily contact with many customers can provide information ranging from the best new cultivars to the most effective fertilizer injector. Suppliers often have a good idea of the various production advances and marketing trends in their area. If a supplier cannot answer a question, they can often direct you to another person, such as a grower, or company who has more experience in a specific subject. While most suppliers will proved accurate information to develop a long term relationship with their customers, be aware of the few that are simply trying to sell products with the highest profit margin.

Lastly, but most importantly, be sure to seek out other people in the same business. While the competitor down the road may not be excited about giving up his trade secrets, a person in another city or state may be more than willing to answer questions and show your around their operation. Generally, people are more accommodating if you call ahead of time, acknowledge that they are probably busy, indicate that you will keep the phone call and/or visit short, and will reciprocate anytime with information and host a visit. State and national conferences are particularly good places to meet people in similar businesses but yet are not competitors.

Books for Cut Flower Producers

A large number of crop specific publications are available on a number of species including lilies, alstroemeria, lisianthus, sunflowers, zinnias, celosia, etc. In addition, many other books contain useful information for one or more aspects of cut flower production, such as greenhouse management, propagation, and so forth.

Sources of Books, Videotapes, and Software

Floriculture Trade Publications

Scientific Journals

North Carolina State University

Department of Horticultural Science

Raleigh, NC