Back to Basics — Planning Your Cut Flower Plot (Part Two)

In part one, we looked at what to consider when selecting a site for your cut flower beds. If you've not read part one yet, start there — it covers the basic considerations before you plant anything.

Of course, what every cut flower enthusiast enjoys most in the planning stage is selecting which flowers to grow, so let's get started.

Flower selection

Choose a variety of flowers: different colours, shapes, and sizes for variety in your bouquets or arrangements. You'll also want to include a mix of perennial, biennial and annual plants. Herbs are also invaluable for bringing scent as well as flowers and rich greens into the mix. Pollinators love them too!

For commercial plots, we recommend dedicating at least 50% of your plot to perennials. These are the flowers and flowering shrubs that will come back year after year and be the backbone of your cut flower business. If you're going to plant perennials, they need to go in a spot where you'll be happy to have them for several years. Biennials are sown one year for flowering the year after so need a semi-permanent position. Annuals, as the name suggests, grow, flower, set seed and die all in one year.

Plant for succession

Early spring will bring you bulbs including tulips and hyacinths, plus early bloomers such as Hesperis (sweet rocket). In high summer you'll be spoilt for cutting choice with annuals like sweet peas, cosmos, antirrhinum and Nigella giving their all. But you may have a lull in May and early June — this is where biennials come to the fore. Choose the flowers you love, but once you've made that initial selection, look at flowering times and see what gaps you have. Think about autumn too — dahlias, chrysanthemums and Xerochrysum (strawflowers) can see you right through to November.

Keep the pollinators happy

In my eyes, a happy, healthy plot is one that sees lots of bees, butterflies and other pollinators buzzing around on a sunny day. Flowers that give out scent at night such as Jasmine and Nicotiana may also attract moths.

Spacing and layout

Pay attention to the spacing requirements for each type of flower to ensure they have enough room to grow without crowding each other. Crowded plants can be more susceptible to disease and pests. Conversely, if you have tall flowering plants such as delphiniums, they'll need staking — and planting them closer together will help them stand tall as a group.

Soil preparation

Soil preparation is crucial. Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the area before planting. Unless you have the perfect loamy, well-drained soil, you'll probably need to add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure. For a no-dig approach, see my post on the no-dig flower bed.

Mulching

Consider using mulch to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain even soil temperatures. Mulches can be organic matter such as leaf mould, compost or wood chip, or artificial such as a semi-permeable membrane.

Pest and disease management

Be vigilant for signs of pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them. Use biological control where possible.

Planning seasonal care

Plan for seasonal tasks like feeding, pruning, and dividing perennials as needed to keep your cut flower plot healthy and productive.

Equipment and tools

Invest in the necessary gardening tools — pruners, forks, spades, shears and gloves. Sharp, clean tools are much more efficient, safer for the user and less likely to spread plant disease.

Enjoyment

Don't forget to enjoy your cut flower plot! Spend time tending to your patch, watch it bloom, and reap the rewards by creating beautiful flower arrangements.

Remember that planning and maintaining a cut flower plot can be a learning process, so don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. Gardening is a skill that improves with experience.

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If you'd like to join a group of like-minded flower growers, The Best Bunch Membership is your cut flower family on the web. Group discussions, online Q&As and workshops, guest speakers, and supplier discounts.

Roz