Are you wondering what is flower farming and how to start a flower farm? Don’t worry! It was also our dream several years ago, and now we are trying to share the essential steps for starting and operating a profitable flower farming business.
Flowers are one of the most beloved things to people around the world, and everyone loves flowers. Earlier, flowers were not much appreciated in all areas around the world. But currently, the demand for flowers is very high. People now use flowers for many different purposes.
People around the world generally use flowers to decorate the wedding car, to welcome the virtuous, to decorate the wedding house, on birthdays, Puja, religious occasions, Valentines day, meetings and various events. That’s why today it is very easy to make profit by cultivating flowers commercially in a scientific manner.
What is Flower Farming?
Before discussing further, let us explain what flower farming actually is. Flower farming is the cultivation of flowers for various purposes, including ornamental, decorative, and commercial uses for making money. It is also know as floriculture, and is a branch of horticulture.
Why is Flower Farming Business Important?
Commercial flower farming business holds significance importance for several reasons. Flowers have ornamental and aesthetic value and are appreciated for their beauty. They have cultural and social significance and they can contribute to a region’s economy greatly.
Both market demand and value of flowers are good. That’s why commercial production can be a good employment source. Some flowers are often traded globally, and it’s possible to earn good money by exporting and importing flowers.
Flower farms can have positive environmental benefits, when managed sustainably. Along with environmental benefits, flowers have been associated with psychological benefits. Flower farms contribute greatly to improve mental health and well-being.
All the factors mentioned above have made flower farming very important. It’s a great way for making good profits in relatively less investment.
How to Start A Flower Farming Business Easily for Making Profits?
Starting a flower farming business is just like starting a crop farming business. It involves lots of important tasks. But, it’s very easy and simple in most cases. You can start this business even if you are a beginner. However, here we are trying to list the essential steps for starting and operating a successful flower farm.
Step 1: Try to Learn Practically First
Having practical knowledge is very important for starting any business. Knowing a lot about a business and being good at what you do are very important! Try to learn more about flower farming business practically from experienced farmers, and try to visit as many farms as possible for learning.
As you keep learning, you will figure out the best ways to do things, and get good results in your own situation. The time you spend getting better at what you do is like an investment, and it pays off by helping you make more money in the future.
Step 2: Complete a Flower Farming Training
Along with learning from existing farmers, completing a training will also help to run your farm better. There are many government and non-government organizations available who provides training. You can also contact with some agriculture collages or universities to learn about the availability of flower farming training.
Step 3: Make a Business Plan
Making a good and effective flower farming business plan is very important. Determine your goal and business objective, and write them in your business plan. Try to include everything in your business plan from starting to harvesting and marketing flowers. You can ask for help from an expert if you are new in this business.
Step 4: Choose the Flowers You Want to Cultivate
Choosing the right flower is a very important part of this business. Try to determine your local market demand and supply while choosing the flower. You can also consult with some existing farmers in your area for having good recommendations. Some most common and popular flowers are:
- Roses
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Chrysanthemums
- Sunflowers
- Gerbera Daisies
- Carnations
- Dahlias
- Peonies
- Zinnias
- Alstroemeria
- Snapdragons
- Gladiolus
- Hydrangeas
- Cymbidium Orchids
- Anemones
- Gypsophila
- Statice
- Asters and
- Iris
Step 5: Focus on Highly Profitable Flower Crops
Growing plants from seeds is cheaper at the beginning. It’s easier to start with warm-season flowers like sunflowers, zinnias, and celosia. These flowers are popular and sell well all season.
On the other hand, plants like perennials and bulb/tuber crops need more money upfront, take a long time to grow, bloom for a short time, and need more skill to grow and take care of.
Step 6: Choose Planting Site Carefully
Choosing the right site for your flower farming business is very important. Because all the plants don’t grow in all places, rather you should plant the right plant in the right place. Availability of full sun is required for some flower plants, while some plants require shade to bloom. Actually, you have to select the right site depending upon the flower you want to cultivate.
Step 7: Prepare the Soil
Preparing the soil in the right way is also important. Nutritional requirements may vary from plants to plants. Most of the flowering plants do best in loose and well-drained soil, with lots of organic material in it.
Prepare the soil by ploughing, and adding organic fertilizers. Adding organic matter helps to allow air, water, worms, and roots deep into the soil and roam freely.
Step 8: Planting Timely is Important
Not all the plants grow well throughout the year. That’s why planting timely is important. Learn about your specific flowering plant’s planting time and plant timely.
Step 9: Fertilize Plants
Some perennial flowering plants are heavy feeders, and they require additional fertilizer for better production. In such case, you can provide additional fertilizers. Try to use organic fertilizers such as, cow dung, poultry wastes, compost etc.
Step 10: Water the Plants Regularly
Regular watering play a very important role in flower production. Although, individual plant needs may vary depending on the type of the plant and humidity. You can use sprinkler or drip irrigation system for watering your plants.
Step 11: Try to Practice Organic Flower Farming
You should try to practice organic flower farming methods. Because, organic farming is good for the environment and also good for your health. Avoid using synthetic/chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Step 12: Common Pest and Diseases and Their Control
Diseases are rare on flowering plants, so there’s nothing to worry about. Botrytis is the main disease in flowering plants, and you can easily prevent this by removing the affected parts.
Pests are pretty common in flowering plants. Some most common pests in flowering plants are mealy bugs, whitefly, spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats. An useful controlling method of these pests is a period of isolation. Most of these pets can be controlled easily by washing off with a spray of water.
Step 13: Harvest Timely
Harvesting the flowers timely is also very important. You will be able t make more profits if you harvest the flowers timely. Harvesting the flowers timely ensures their optimal quality and extend vase life. Timely harvest also help to maximize yield. You should learn practically about harvesting time of flower for specific plants.
Step 14: Set Marketing Strategies
Determine your marketing strategies before planning to start this business. You should target your local market first for selling, and don’t send the flowers too far for avoiding damage. Having a good marketing strategy will help you to make good profits from this business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are many questions people often ask which are related to flower farming. Here we are trying to list the common questions about this profitable business. We hope you will find answers to your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is flower farming?
Flower farming is the cultivation of flowers for various purposes, including ornamental, decorative, and commercial uses for making money. It is also know as floriculture, and is a branch of horticulture.
How to start a flower farming business?
Starting flower production is relatively easy and simple. First of all, try to learn practically about this business or complete a training, then make a good business plan, take good care of your plants and finally harvest the flowers timely and sell them in the market.
Is flower farming profitable?
Yes, commercial flower production is a profitable business. But you have to do everything perfectly from planting to harvesting and marketing. Make a good business plan, select the right flower for your area, take good care of your plants and harvest the flowers timely. If you can do all these things perfectly, then your business will definitely be profitable.
How profitable is flower farming?
Flower farming business can be profitable for your if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to start flower farming in India?
Starting a commercial flower production business in India is very easy and simple. Just follow the steps mentioned above for starting and operating a successful flower farming business in India.
How to start rose flower farming?
Starting a rose farming business is easy. You can easily start this business, even if you are a beginner. Read our rose farming business guide.
Which flower is most profitable in India?
Top 5 most profitable flowers in India are Roses, Lily, Sunflower, Jasmine and Gerbera.
Which state has highest flower production in India?
As of 2022, Tamil Nadu as the leading producer of flowers.
Which flower has highest price?
Kadupul Flower, Juliet Rose, Shenzhen Nongke Orchid, Gold Of Kinabalu Orchid, and Saffron Crocus are the top 5 most expensive flowers on the planet.
Which flower has highest demand in India?
Tuberose is a very popular flower and it has highest demand in India.
Who buy flowers the most in United States?
Women of different ages, backgrounds, and financial conditions buy the largest amount of flowers in the USA.
I am interested in this production business. Can I start this business in South Africa?
Yes, sure! But we recommend determining your marketing strategies before starting this business. Visit your local flower market and try to determine which flower varieties have good demand and value throughout the year. Good luck!