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Home , Crop, Cut flowers, Floral industry, Flower

GOT RECORDS… NOW WHAT?

An all-day educational workshop to teach how to create and use spreadsheets to evaluate records for direct , processing and agritourism enterprises.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN AND WHERE This workshop is designed for existing or would-be operators of a value-added farm business. Using records developed for an September 24, 2019 Franklin, TN example farm with value-added enterprises, October 8, 2019 Memphis, TN presenters will teach how to export the example farm records into a spreadsheet and how to November 4, 2019 Knoxville, TN analyze and use them in making business November 5, 2019 Chattanooga, TN decisions. Participants will be provided a jump drive with records from the November 7, 2019 Lawrenceburg, TN example farm and will learn to use spreadsheets, January 13, 2020 Cookeville, TN budgets and other tools to evaluate those records. Computers will not be provided. January 14, 2020 Blountville, TN January 30, 2020 Jackson, TN WHAT TO BRING February 12, 2020 Clarksville, TN April 9, 2020 Pikeville, TN

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Check-in and networking will begin at 8:30 am local time. The workshop will be conducted from 9:00 to 4:00 pm local time. This workshop fulfills a Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Space is limited and pre-registration is required 5 requirement in the Agritourism, business days prior to the workshop. The registration and and Value-Added Producer fee is $20 per person. Lunch is provided. Diversification Sectors. For additional information regarding educational programs for TAEP requirements, please contact Jan Keyser at the Register online now at: Tennessee Department of , 615-837-5346. http://tiny.utk.edu/GotFarmRecords Please note that registration fees are not Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth refundable after the pre-registration deadline. development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development, of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Questions? Contact Hal Pepper at 931-486-2777 or Center for CropU. S. Department Diversification of Agriculture and county Profile governments email [email protected]. Center for Cropcooperating. Diversification UT Extension provides Crop equal Profile opportunities in programs and employment.CCD-CPA-CP-3 CCD-CP-138

This material is based upon supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28585. We appreciate the support from these program partners. Acknowledgement: This crop profile has been developed as a collaborative effort between the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification and the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture as part of a project titled Developing and Utilizing Crop Profiles for Tennessee Specialty Crop Growers. The projectGinger was made possible in part and by the US Department Turmeric of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing through grant USDA-AMS-TM-SCBGP-G-18-0003.1 2 UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programsMatt and Ernstemploymeandnt. Kristi Durbin Introduction Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and turmeric (CurcumaCut longa) both have a long history Production of use in in Tennessee 1 Asian, African and Caribbean cuisines. Fresh gingerMatt is Ernst availableIntroduction year-round in the U.S. and from pro- duce wholesalers sourcing from global suppliers, and This publication provides considerations for produc- both are widely available in their dried, ground form ers establishing a cut flower enterprise in Tennessee. that is produced from their underground . Cut flower production in Tennessee has increased with the growing popularity of direct market chan- The U.S. ginger crop is mainly grown in Hawaii. Re- nels, like farmers markets and Community Supported cently, some U.S. vegetable and growers Agriculture (CSA), and event-based agritourism, like have added ginger and turmeric as high-value special- on-farm weddings. Cut are also popular with ty to meet consumer demands for locally grown new farmers because of potentially substantial returns ingredients. Producers in the northeast have success- from relatively small land areas. fully produced ginger in high , and experience with ginger and turmeric production (through the 2018 This fact sheet focuses on a typical startup cut flow- season) indicates both crops may be adaptable to high er enterprise in Tennessee and surrounding states: a production in Kentucky. Photo by Austin Graf, Buzzed Blooms, Manchester, TN smaller-scale enterprise serving a local market niche BCuta Bflowersy ginger can be packaged to sell directly to consumers in eye-catching or diversifying existing farm production. Flower en- color palettes. at grocery stores. Turmeric producers should also pro- Marketingterprises can vary greatly from farm to farm depend- Kentucky producers have focused on selling directly vide use guidelines, as fresh turmeric is not commonly ing on the market served. sold in the U.S. are imported by air from to consumers, using local market channels like farmers foundCentral in andthe marketplace., Common and from uses flower include usingwhole- markets and community supported agriculture. A few the vegetative tops of both to make , and Producers seeking profitability from cut flower- pro sale markets in the . producers also sell these specialty crops via wholesale both crops are used in juicing. Both rhizomes can also duction can find many marketing and farm business be dehydrated, pickled or candied. marketingplanning resources for at the chefs.Center Some for Profitable food retailers Agri- Demand for cut flowers can be impacted by broader focusedculture websiteon offering. organic and local produce have economic trends. Economic downturns and changes in reported sourcing ginger locally. Gingertourism andand turmericevent planning have receivedcan have attentionadverse impacts in the health and wellness product market, with turmeric at- Market Description and upon the floral . However, flowers are also Local farmers market customers and CSA members tracting much recent interest. The FDA regulates how viewed by many consumers as an affordable luxury. willCommon benefit Marketingfrom recipes Channelsand preparation suggestions products may be marketed with respect to claims of Smaller producers that sell directly to the consumer forThe fresh dominance ginger. ofShelf high-quality life and storageglobal production in potential health benefits. Farm marketers could, in some cases, be able to avoid risks of larger- considerationswholesale flower should markets be conveyed leads tomany U.S. -produc must understand the potential ramifica- scale supply chain disruptions and im- customers,ers to focus as on the product fresh “baby” differentiation. ginger tions of making health claims when sell- pacts upon demand. inCut its flower immature supply stage chains produced are well in estabhigh- ing fresh produce crops, as associating tunnelslished, sowill focused have different effort will requirements be needed these specific crops with health benefits thanin selection the mature and ginger marketing that is to available establish www.uky.edu/CCD violatesCut flowers food marketing may be regulations. sold through local opportunities for local cut flowers. Many www.uky.edu/CCD direct markets like farmers markets, on- 1Matt Ernst is an independent contractor with the Center for Crop Diversification. 1Matt Ernst is an independent contractor with the Center for Crop Diversification. 2Kristi Durbin is a senior horticulturist in the University of Kentucky Department of . Extension Service | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Family and Consumer Sciences | 4-H Youth Development | Community and Economic Development Photos by Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company, Christiana, TN Left: Ranunculus grown in the open field in late April. Frost cloth with hoops are used to protect blooms from frost. Right: Helleborus blooming in early March, even after a winter storm of snow and ice. farm stands or U-picks, and CSA shares. Other forms flower arrangements can add beauty and distinction of direct marketing for cut flowers include selling to a farmers market stand. For growers selling from flowers or arrangements directly to event planners and the farm, cut flower plantings can add beauty and at- other end users. Some producers will provide arrange- tract interest in a farm’s production. In these cases, ments for events, like weddings, while other flower cut flowers add economic value by complementing an growers will provide flowers to local designers and existing marketing plan. planners servicing these events. Production Systems Local florists are also potential customers for cut flow- Cut flower growers in the South typically combine ers and cut stems. Specialty cut flowers – especially both covered and field production systems. Covered those that are difficult to ship from afar – can become production systems range in complexity and expense a wholesale niche for local cut flower producers. Pro- and can include small and large , high ducers in the U.S. have seen some success with devel- tunnels, low tunnels and row covers. Growing flow- oping niche markets for lilies, snapdragons, , ers from to in an automated greenhouse and gladiolas (see University of Kentucky CCD- CP-70)2. Cut flower producers may also discover local may be the most complex, while very simple covered demand for floral material that is unique or not read- systems would include starting a few flats of in- ily available in wholesale channels; for instance, some doors for transplanting or using fabric for frost protec- floral designers may want cut stems from herbaceous tion to extend the harvest season. perennials and woody . Growing cut flowers in raised beds is a common entry Cut flowers can be a profitable standalone- enter point for producers. Developing efficient production prise; they can also complement other product systems appropriate to the farm size and managing and add value within existing farm market channels. , diseases and are important success fac- For example, containers of sunflowers or other cut tors for field-grown cut flowers.

2University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification, “Field-grown Specialty Cut Flowers,” CCD-CP-70 2 Photos by Austin Graf, Buzzed Blooms, Manchester, TN (above) and Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company, Christiana, TN (right) Above: Plastic mulch helps prevent competition from weeds in the field. Right: spring flower seeds during the fall allows establishment and ideal growing conditions to produce beautiful spring blooms. chips in pathways inhibit growth.

Plant Selection, Planting and Transplanting should have access to a source for irrigation. Select flower varieties/ that are suitable for Electricity and other utilities are necessary for green- production in Tennessee (see table on pages 7-12). houses and other protected systems. Remember also that selections must be potentially profitable, based on market demand and production Cut flower crops can be adapted to crop systems of costs. Cut flower growers often build a customer base all sizes. Flower variety is the main factor in deciding by selling established and familiar varieties/cultivars whether to transplant or direct seed. re- while also introducing new or novel flower types. quirements vary between varieties, each with specifi- cations on planting depth, stratification, scarification, Consider both the desired customer base and the length and even light exposure. Beginning producers may of the marketing season when selecting which flowers find it cost-effective to purchase transplants from an- other grower or greenhouse. to grow. Customers in some marketing channels, like farmers markets and on-farm markets, may be more Mulch helps prevent weed competition in field pro- open to different kinds of flowers throughout the mar- duction. Several options are available to growers in- keting season. Other customers, like event venues and cluding organic mulch (bark mulch), biodegradable floral designers, may have more established product mulch films, woven fabric mulch, and plastic mulch. specifications and buying patterns. Defining and -un Keep in mind that when using impermeable products derstanding the customer will greatly aid the / like plastic, you must first incorporate some type of variety selection process. drip irrigation to provide adequate moisture to the zone. When using mulches that come on rolls, special- Cut flowers grown outdoors are commonly grown in ized tools for laying mulch, laying irrigation, trans- raised beds or in long rows; some flower types may planting, and seeding can improve efficiency and save be better-suited for bare ground production than oth- costs on labor. In addition to reducing weed competi- ers. Select sunny, well-drained sites with high organic tion, mulch influences both and mois- matter and other good soil health characteristics. Sites ture and plays a vital role in cut flower production.

3 Photos by Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company, Christiana, TN Above and right: Hortonova trellis netting is used to support cut flower stems.

Pest Management Cut flower production must be managed for pests: (IPM) is used to recognize pests and develop an weeds, insects and diseases. Planning for pests that appropriate system to manage pest damage. The IPM are most likely to impact specific types of flowers can strategy can be used to manage insects in both open help growers a production system that mini- field and covered flower production systems. Produc- mizes potential losses due to pests. ers starting plants from seed for transplanting should remember to include an IPM strategy in the green- Weed pressure is significant for many flowers. Weeds house or wherever the transplants are grown. compete for nutrients and may host insect pests and diseases. Mulching is often used as a first line of Plant disease management is very important in cut defense for weeds. Equipment such as mulch layers flower production because diseases can substantially and straw spreaders can greatly reduce labor times needed for mulching. Mechanical and hand cultiva- tion are also used frequently as a mea- sure in field production. use, while limited in scope, is another tool in the production tool box. However, in order to prevent unwanted damage, la- bels must be read and followed to the full extent. Cover crops are also used, most often between rows, to discourage weed growth. Weeds should also be managed in the landscape and fields surrounding the flower planting in an effort to reduce safe haven for insect and disease pests and to reduce the likeliness of weed seed dissemination in or near the planting area.

Numerous insect pests can impact flower production in Tennessee. Common pests include , leafhop- pers, mites and thrips. Other insect pests include, but are not limited to, flea beetles, plant bugs, Japanese Photo by Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company, Christiana, TN Sunflowers, ProCut® Nite and Plum, in a solution with a CVBN beetles and caterpillars. Integrated pest management conditioner tablet. 4 impact flower appearances and consumer acceptance. Selecting disease-resistant cultivars and practicing good site management and cultural practices can help manage diseases. Common diseases impacting cut flower production in Tennessee include powdery and downy mildews, foliar bacterial and fungal spots, and root rots like black root rot.

Harvest and Storage There are many differences in harvest and storage among flower varieties including the ideal time of day for harvest, the appropriate growth and/or flowering stage at which to harvest, the best floral preservative treatment, and the ideal temperature for Photo by Austin Graf, Buzzed Blooms, Manchester, TN storing cut stems. The following are a few best prac- Options for selling cut flowers include farmers markets, on-farm stands or tices for harvesting and handling cut flowers: U-picks, and CSA shares. • Cut flowers during a cool part of the day pest management and crop maintenance and manage- • Regularly clean knives, shears and other cutting ment, including scouting for disease and pest pres- tools used for harvesting flowers sure. Marketing labor, such as delivering flowers to • Place the cut stems into clean buckets of water customers or staffing a farmers market booth, can also with a floral preservative directly after cutting; be significant for cut flower growers. buckets may then be moved to a packing shed or other processing area Producers considering a cut flower enterprise should • Recut at least one inch of the stem under water prepare a detailed budget prior to purchasing any crop before storing in a refrigerator or cooler inputs – or even deciding to pursue the enterprise. • For optimum vase life, store most cut stems at 32- This section describes important parts of a cut flower 35 degrees F and 90 percent humidity enterprise budget and points to useful resources for determining prices for cut flowers. Some flowers, such asDianthus spp., spp. and Scabiosa spp., are very sensitive to ethylene. They Generally, there are two kinds of costs in a crop enter- will be damaged if stored in a refrigerator or cooler prise budget: variable costs (costs that change based with ethylene-producing and . Pro- on the quantity produced on a certain space) and fixed ducers should check a list of ethylene-sensitive flower costs (costs that do not change with the quantity pro- species to determine if extra caution is needed, espe- duced). cially if flowers will be stored alongside produce. Typical variable costs in cut flower production are The importance of postharvest handling for cut flowers and other soil amendments, mulch, machin- cannot be overstated. The way each different flower ery and equipment costs like fuel, and rent, seeds variety is handled will determine its storage and vase or transplants, pest control, marketing containers, life. Growers should consult research-based recom- harvest labor, and flower sleeves and other marketing mendations for handling and preserving each type of supplies. flower. Finally, always understand the buyer’s prefer- ence and expectations for flower quality and expected Typical fixed costs for cut flower growers include the vase life after purchase. Wholesale buyers, in particu- purchase of irrigation equipment, reusable plant sup- lar, will have very high expectations for flower quality. ports and trellising, farm equipment purchase costs and the initial investment for a high tunnel or green- Labor and Economics house structure. Harvest and postharvest processing are the largest labor commitments for cut flowers. Production labor A sample cost worksheet applicable to many cut flow- needs include pre-plant soil preparation, weed and er varieties is included on Page 6. 5 Example Cost Worksheet: Sunflowers for Cut Flowers

Variable Costs Quantity Unit Price per Unit Total Soil Amendments (Lime, compost, etc.) Seeds or Plugs Mulch Irrigation Supplies Weed Control Disease Control Machinery/Equipment Harvest Labor Flower Sleeves, etc. Marketing Costs Total Variable Costs

Fixed Costs Quantity Unit Price per Unit Total Depreciation of Machinery, Equipment Depreciation on Irrigation System Land Rent or Taxes Total Fixed Costs Once the total production costs and yields are estimat- “Cut Flower Production” (Penn State University, ed, producers can determine what prices will be need- 2012) ed for profitability. Knowing the cost of production is https://extension.psu.edu/cut-flower-production always important; it is especially applicable to flower growers targeting florists and others accustomed to “Cut Flowers” (University of Kentucky Center for paying wholesale prices. Setting prices for direct re- Crop Diversification) tail markets can also be challenging. Discussing prices https://www.uky.edu/ccd/production/crop-resources/ with potential customers, before beginning produc- nursery-ornamental/cut-flowers tion, is one of the best ways for specialty crop growers to project realistic prices per stem. Comparing prob- “Getting Started in the Production of Field-Grown, able prices with the estimated costs of production can Specialty Cut Flowers” (Virginia Cooperative then inform a producer’s ultimate decision to grow cut Extension, 2019) https://www.pubs.ext. flowers. vt.edu/426/426-618/426-618.html

Additional guidance for growing and marketing cut “Greenhouse-grown Specialty Cut Flowers” (CCD- flowers can be found in these helpful publications: CP-58, University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification, 2021) A General Guide to Pricing for Direct Farm https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/ Marketers and Value-Added Agricultural files/ghcutflowers.pdf Entrepreneurs https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/ viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=utk_agexmkt In print Specialty Cut Flowers, 2nd edition. Allan M. Armitage Choosing Direct Marketing Channels for Agricultural and Judy M. Laushman. 2008. Portland, OR: Timber Products https://extension.tennessee.edu/ Press. 636 pp. publications/Documents/PB1796.pdf 6 Cut Flower Options for Tennessee Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

• Powdery mildew

• Rhizoctonia Seed • Many leaf spots millefolium Yarrow P Transplant Spring June - September • Harvest when is visible • Botrytis Division • Pythium

• Root- knot nematode

• Leaf • Blooms are most productive at temps Transplant Spring 8 weeks • Whitefly between 60-70F houstonianum Floss Flower A • • Harvest when center is fully open

To frost w/ • Support netting is recommended Amaranthus caudatus Love-lies-bleeding A Direct Seed Summer succession • None of importance • Harvest when ¾ of are planting open

• Direct seed in fall or very early spring

• can cause dermatitis

• If starting indoors for succession False Queen Anne’s Direct Seed Summer 6 weeks • None of importance planting chill for 2 weeks before Ammi majus A germination

• Harvest when 80% of inflorescence is open

• Rust

• Botrytis

• Powdery mildew

• Downy mildew

• Many leaf spots • Cool season

• Root and crown rot • Harvest when 1/3 of spike is open Seed Depends on Snapdragon nematodes • Store upright to prevent stem bending A Early Spring Group (I-IV) and Transplant • Aphid • Warm result in early cultivar • Whitefly flower but weak stems

• Leaf miners

• Mite

• Foliage-feeding caterpillars

Bupleurum • Harvest when flower begins to show Bupleurum aka A Seed Spring rotundifolium Thoroughwax color

7 Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

Seed • Valued for showy fruit display Capsicum annuum Ornamental Pepper A Summer To frost • Aphid Transplant • Harvest once desired color has formed

• Botrytis (spicata) • Alternaria Celosia • Cercospora • Harvest when plumes are fully colored Direct Seed Celosia Crested (cristata) July – September • Phyllosticta leaf • Will freely reseed if not harvested A Seed Summer Cockscomb Up to 10 weeks spots • Succession planting is recommended Transplant • Powdery mildew every 3-4 weeks for high quality stems Plumed (plumosa) • Aphid Cockscomb • Thrip

• Requires cold treatment of seed and • Basal rot of plant • Crown rot • Direct sow in Mid-October through • Powdery mildew November for spring production ajacis Larkspur A Direct Seed May 6 weeks • Stem canker • Harvest when 2-5 of bottom florets are • Aphid open • Leaf miner • Cuts are very sensitive to ethylene in • mite storage

• Heat loving • Powdery mildew • Direct seed only after soil temps bipinnatus • Bacterial wilt Cosmos Direct Seed To frost average 60F • Root rot A Seed Late Spring with succession • Harvest when of the first ray Cosmos sulphureus • Aphid Cosmos Transplant planting flower begin to open or when • Japanese beetle colors • Leafhopper • Cold storage will lengthen vase life

• Powdery mildew

• Dahlia mosaic virus

• Corn earworm

• Cutworm • Lift tubers after the first frost Bare Root Dahlia hybrids Dahlia P Summer June - frost • European corn • Harvest when bud is 75% open Transplant borer

• Slug

• Spider mite

8 Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

• Replant in 3-5 years to maintain vigor Seed • Cercospora leaf spot • Harvest just as petals are expanding purpurea Purple Coneflower P Transplant Summer 6-8 weeks • Septoria leaf spot • Many Echinacea species are suitable for Division cut flowers

• Harvest foliage for filler Seed Foeniculum vulgare Bronze P Summer To frost • None of importance • Harvest bloom when is 80% open Transplant • Host plant for swallowtail caterpillars

• rot • Perennial treated as an annual

• Dry rot • Use large

• Leaf and flower spot • Successive plant every 2 weeks after last To frost with • Tobacco mosaic virus spring frost Gladiolus hybrids Gladiolus A Corm Summer succession • Thrip • Harvest when 2-3 flowers at the base of planting • Spider mite spike are showing color

• Aphids • Must remain upright during storage and

• Wire worms

• Heat and humidity tolerant

• Aggressive grower

• Succession planting not required for • Leaf spots continual harvest Direct Seed • spotted wilt Gomphrena globosa Globe A Summer To frost • Look for cultivars with stem lengths that Transplant virus TSWV-1 average 15” • Damping off • Harvest when bloom colors but before fully opened

• Great option for drying

• Aphid

• Many caterpillar • Sequential planting weekly for extended • Grasshopper harvest annuus Sunflower A Direct Seed Summer August - October • Downy mildew • Harvest when centers are still tight and • Powdery mildew petals have not begun to curl back • Stem rot

• Rust

Transplant • Leaf spot • Unique addition to winter bouquets Helleborus hybrids Lenten P Late Winter February - May Division • Crown rot • Papery blooms have a long vase life 9 Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

• Botrytis

• Downy mildew • Require division every 3 years to remain Leucanthemum Transplant Shasta Daisy P Summer 10 weeks • Powdery mildew productive hybrids Division • Aphid • Harvest when daisy is beginning to open

• Thrip

• Asiatic are earlier to bloom, shorter,

• Botrytis with upright facing blooms

• Lily mosaic virus • Orientals are later to bloom, taller, and Asiatic Lily • rots larger outward facing blooms hybrids & P Bulb Summer Depends on type • Southern blight • Plant pre-chilled in early spring

Oriental Lily • Aphid • May be treated as annuals or perennials

• Grasshopper in Zones 7 and above

• Nematode • Harvest when first flower is colored but not yet open

• Actually a biennial

• Sow seed in late summer before desired harvest Lunaria annua Money Plant A Direct Seed Summer Through frost Dollar Plant • Blooms are insignificant - grown for showy seed pods

• Excellent for drying

• Botrytis • Plant in fall • basal rot • Combination of early and late-blooming • Viruses cultivars can result in 8-10 weeks of • Aphid bloom Narcissus Daffodil • Large Narcissus P Bulb Early Spring 6 weeks • Cut wound excretes a substance bulb fly detrimental to many other cut stems so • Bulb scale mite place in clean water for 24 hours and • Narcissus nematode then rinse stems before arranging • Slug

• Select resistant cultivars Seed Ocimum basilicum Basil A Summer To frost • Downy Mildew • Harvest when bloom spikes begin to Transplant open 10 Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

• Crown should have at least 5 eyes • Botrytis • Transplant crowns in fall • Root Rot Paeonia hybrids P Divided Crowns May 3-4 weeks • 3-5 years until production • Stem Rot • Harvest when color appears on top of a • Viral ringspots tight bud

Pennisetum Fountain grasses A Transplant Summer To frost • Harvest foliage and seed heads

• Treated like an annual in Zones 7 and lower • Root rot • Cool-season bloomers • Crown rot • Soak tubers and then plant indoors to Ranunculus P Tuber Spring • Southern Blight 4-6 weeks observe and root development • Powdery mildew and then plant those that are viable • Aphid • Cold treatment may improve flowering

• Harvest when show color

Seed • Downy mildew • Harvest when terminal bloom is fully hirta Black-eyed Susan P Summer June - August Transplant • Powdery mildew open

Scabiosa • Successive planting every 2-4 weeks Pincushion Flower A Direct Seed Spring Spring - frost • None of importance a t r o p u r p u r e a • Harvest when center begins to unfurl

• Requires cool temperature to initiate

Seed • Powdery Mildew bloom Scabiosa caucasica Scabiosa P Transplant Spring 4-6 weeks • Root Rot • Performs best in areas with cooler Division • Curly top virus summer temps

• Harvest when color appears

• Rust

• Powdery mildew • Replant every 2-3 years to maintain

Solidago hybrids Seed • Downy mildew vigor & Goldenrod P Late Summer To frost Solidago rugosa Transplant • Spider mite • Harvest when inflorescence is ¼ - ½ • Whitefly open

• Leaf miner Direct Seed • Successive plantings every 3 weeks erecta African Marigold A Seed Summer To frost • None of importance • Harvest when bloom is nearly mature Transplant 11 Initial Scientific Name Common Name Type Propagation Harvest Period Pest/Disease Comments Harvest

Direct Seed • Stem has a delicate neck

Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican Sunflower A Seed Summer To frost • Harvest when petals have unfurled from Transplant center

• Hybrids are treated as annuals

• Botrytis • Plant in the fall

• Bulb/basal rot • Using a mix of early, mid- and late- Tulipa A Bulb Spring 6 weeks • Bacterial soft rot season cultivars will extend harvest

• Blue mold period

• Harvest when 50% of flower is colored

• Alternaria leaf spot

• Powdery mildew • Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks Direct Seed • Aphids through mid-summer Zinnia elegans Zinnia A Seed Summer To frost • Cutworm • Harvest when pollen is visible and Transplant • Japanese beetle nearly fully mature

• Grasshoppers

Suggested Citation: Ernst, M. (2021). Cut Flower Production in Tennessee. CCD-CPA-CP-3. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Available: https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/ sites/106/2021/1/TNcutflowers.pdf

Reviewed by Rachel Painter, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Rutherford County, Tennessee; Celeste Scott, Horticulture Extension Agent, Madison County, Tennessee; and Natalie R. Bumgarner, Associate Professor and Residential and Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee Photos courtesy of Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company, Christiana, Tennessee, and Austin Graf, Buzzed Blooms, Manchester, Tennessee June 2021

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