Author: Holly L. Scoggins, Assistant Professor, Horticulture; Virginia Tech
Publication Number 426-619, Posted August 2002
This table provides an overview of genera and/or species suitable for field production of cut flowers in the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 6 to 8). These are the most widely-grown species. However, there seems a to be a limitless abundance of species with "specialty cut" potential. Species better-suited to cooler climates and/or greenhouse production have not been included. This information has been distilled from Armitage (1993; 1997), Stevens (1996), and numerous articles from the Cut Flower Quarterly newsletter of the ASCFG (see references). For an overview of culture and marketing of cut flowers, as well as a comprehensive list of resources, see Getting Started in the Production of Field-grown Cut Flowers, Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 426-618.
| Botanical name and (common name) | Annual (A) Biennial (B) Perennial (P) Woody (W) |
Use: Fresh (F) or Dried (D) | Propagation: Seed (S), Vegetative (V), Bulb (B), Corm (C), or Rhizome (R) |
Planting season for the Southeast1 | -Harvest period2 -Stage of development |
Postharvest Treatment | Miscellaneous |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achillea spp. and hybrids (Yarrow) | P | F, D | S, V | F | - Begin early summer - Visible pollen |
No special requirements; store at 40F. Air-dry to preserve. |
Achillea suitable for cuts include A. 'Coronation Gold', A. filipendulina, A. millefolium, and A. ptarmica. |
| Acidanthera bicolor (Absynnian Gladiolus) | Grow as A | F | C | F | - Late summer - 1-2 flowers open |
Place in preservative quickly, store at 40-45F. Store upright. |
Cv. 'Muralis' recommended. Harvest period of approx. 3 weeks. |
| Aconitum spp. (Monkshood) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Early summer - 1-3 basal flowers open on raceme |
Floral preservative; STS may help. Do not store below 45F |
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Not a good performer in the South, prefers cool conditions. |
| Ageratum hybrids (Blue Flossflower) | A | F, D | S | SS | -Throughout summer - Flowers just opening - does not store/ship well. |
Use floral preservative. Good for local markets |
Cv. 'Blue Horizon' recommended. Good summer source of hard-to-find blue color. |
| Agrostemma githago (Agrostemma) | A | F | S | ES | -Early summer -1-2 flowers open on inflorescence |
Use floral preservative, store upright at 40F. Dry shipping O.K. | Succesive sowings recommended - 2 weeks apart. Cvs. 'Milas', 'Purple Queen' |
| Allium spp. (Ornamental Onion) | P | F | B | Fc | - Summer -1/4 to 1/2 of florets open |
Floral preservative, store at 36-43F. | Yield declines after two years. |
| Alstromeria hybrids (Peruvian Lily) | P (zones 8-10) | F | R | F or ES | - Variable - First flowers fully colored |
STS or other preservative. Store at 38-40F. Can ship dry. |
A complicated crop with various timing, light and temperature requirements. Hard to compete with Californian, European, and South American growers. |
| Amaranthus spp. (Love-(Amaranthus) | A | F, D | S | S | - Summer - 3/4 flowers on inflorescense are open (for dried - harvest after seed set) |
Store at 36-41F in water. Air-dry upside down. |
Many colorful spp. and varieties. A. caudatus lovelies-bleeding) most commonly grown. |
| Ammi majus (False Queen Anne's Lace) | A | F, D | S | F or ES | - Late spring - 80% of flower heads open |
Use floral preservative. Store at 37-40F. Air dry in darkness to maintain color. |
Plants reach 5-6' and require mesh support. Note that the sap causes contact dermatitis. Wear protective gear when harvesting. |
| Anemone coronaria (Poppy Anemone) | P | F | S, T | Fc | - Early spring - Sepals start to separate from the center, but not fully open |
Very sensitive to ethylene. Consult the literature for other specifics and techniques for drying. | Many cultivars. Greatest market demand prior to Mother's Day. |
| Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) | A | F | S | F or ES | - Spring - 1/2 to 2/3 of flowers are open (1/3 open if shipping long distances) |
Store in water at 40F. Preservatives/fungicides necessary for longer-term storage. Must be stored and shipped upright. |
Be sure to choose a cultivar bred specifically for field production. Avoid overhead irrigation. |
| Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Variable (7-9 weeks from planting out) -1/2 to 2/3 flowers open |
Floral preservative, store at 40-45F immediately, some benefit from STS. | Plants are late to emerge in Spring, do not disturb crowns. Over-watering and high fertility invites spider mite invasion. |
| Aster spp. and hybrids (Aster) | P | F | V | F or S | - Late summer, fall - 2-4 flowers in inflorescence open |
Floral preservative, store at 40F. | Asters provide cuts for fall (when little else is flowering. Useful spp. include A. ericoides, A. novibelgii, A. cordifolius, and A tataricus (in the South). |
| Astilbe x arendsii (False Goat's Beard) | P | F, D | S, V | Fc | - Early summer - 1/2 to 2/3 flowers open, upper buds showing color |
Immediately put cuts in hot water, allow to cool, then place in preservative. Ethylene-sensitive, pulse with STS. Store at 33-40F. Can be air-dried. | Astilbe requires some shading in the South. Adequate moisture must be maintained for maximum yield. |
| Astrantia major (Masterwort) | P | F, D | S | ES | - Late spring - Uppermost flowers open |
No special requirements. Silica gel recommended for drying. | Astrantia performs poorly at warm temperatures |
| Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) | W | F, D | V | F | - Midsummer through frost - 1/2 flowers on inflorescence open, before open flowers fade |
Precut under water. Condition by placing in 80-100F water. Use floral preservative, store at 40-45F | Bears flowers on new growth. Can be cut heavily. Cut back to 1/3 height or to the ground in late fall. Buddleia spp. other than B. davidii may prove useful. |
| Callicarpa spp. (Beautyberry) | W | F | S, V | F or S | - Fall fruits - Basal fruits colored, terminal fruits still green, or all fruits colored. |
Recut, place in hot water. Can be stored at 32-36F. Remove any foliage from stems. | The multi-stemmed shrub flowers on new wood - may be cut back severely each year. |
| Callistephus chinensis (China Aster) | A | F, D | S | S | - Late spring - Outside ray florets open |
Pulse with silver nitrate to extend vase life. Store at 33-35F. | Cultivars are available in a spectrum of colors. Plants can be grown under cloth to screen-out leafhoppers - the vector of aster yellows virus. |
| Campanula spp. (Bellflower) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Summer - 1-2 flowers open on inflorescense |
Floral preservative. Carnation ChrysalTM recommended. | Most Campanula spp. prefer cool temperatures. |
| Caryopteris incana (False Blue Spirea) | P | F, D | S, V | F or S | - Late summer - Buds show color, 1st whorl open |
Store in water or preservative at 34-40F Hang upside down to air-dry. | Another "summer blue." Harvest the entire stem for longer cuts or harvest the short terminal first and then cut the subsequent laterals (stems shorter, but greater quantities)." |
| Celosia spp. (Cockscomb) | A | F, D | S | S | - Summer - Flowers fully developed |
Remove foliage as it declines. Store in water at 36-41F. Hang upside down to dry. | Three main forms of Celosia - var. cristata, var. spicata (wheat celosia), and var. plumosa. |
| Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) | P | F | S | ES | - Late spring - 1st flowers in inflorescence fully open |
Floral preservative. | Amend beds to raise pH above 6.0. Limit fertilizer. Not a great performer for the South. |
| Consolida spp. (Larkspur) | A | F, D | S | Fc | - Spring - 1/4 to 1/3 of basal flowers on stem |
Highly sensitive to ethylene; STS or preservative with silver recommended. Store upright at 36-41F. | Cultivars available in white, pink, lilacs and shades of blue. A variety of pathogens attack Consolida - consult the literature for control recommendations. |
| Cornus spp. (Dogwood) | W | F, D | V | F or S | - Spring flowering, late fall stems - For stems - after leaves have dropped; for flowers - before pollen formation. Flowers can be forced - cut when buds are swollen |
Place in floral preservative. Store at 65-70F to force Condition fresh flowering stems by placing in hot water. | Can grow in partial shade. C. florida and C. mas are grown for their flowers, C. sericea cultivars have bright red or yellow stems. |
| Cosmos hybrids (Cosmos) | A | F, D | S | S | - Summer into fall - Petals on 1st flower just opening, not flattened out. Allow flowers to completely open for drying. |
Cosmos do not store well good for local markets Keep at 36-40F if necessary. Use preservative solution. | Sequential plantings recommended. There are many good cultivars. The 3-5' stems require support mesh. |
| Craspedia (Drumstick) | A | F, D | S | F or S | - Spring/summer - Yellow flower heads fully developed. |
Floral preservative helpful but not necessary. Hang to air-dry. | Requires good drainage. Do not overhead-irrigate. |
| Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) | Bulbous P | F, D | C | W | - Summer - 1st few buds showing color but need not be open |
No special treatments. Flowers and sword-like foliage may be air-dried. | Plant corms 3" deep and 6" apart. Needs good |
| Dahlia hybrids | P in zones 7-10 | F, D | S, V, T | S | - Summer - 3/4 to fully open but before outer petals decline |
Water or opening solution. Store (37-40F) or ship in water. Dry in silica gel. | Allow plenty of space (2' x 2') between plants. Support required. Various pinching and disbudding techniques - consult the literature. Valuable for local markets, but require a rigorous preventative spray program |
| Delphinium hybrids | A in the South | F | S | Fc | - Spring - 1/4 to 1/3 of flowers on stem open |
Pulse cuts with preservative + STS -or treat with EthylBloc | Avoid overhead irrigation. Provide support for stems. Fungicides are beneficial. |
| Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) | B | F | S, V | Fc | - Spring - 10-20% of flowers in inflorescence open |
STS for maximum vase life. | Can store dry at 34-36F or wet at 40F. Move trans plants to field early in the fall so plants are established before cold temperatures. |
| Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower) | P | F, D | S, V | F or S | - Midsummer until frost - When petals are expanding. Can use just the "cone" - remove petals once disk is desired color |
Floral preservatives; note petals will droop. Can remove petals and air-dry the cone. | White cultivars also available. |
| Echinops bannaticus (Globe Thistle) | P | F, D | S, V | Fc | - Summer 1/2 to 3/4 of the globe has turned blue |
No special treatment. Store wet at 40F to intensify color. Air-dry, do not remove leaves. |
Some shading may be helpful. The species E. ritro is also excellent for cuts/drying. |
| Emilia javanica (Tassel Flower) | A | F, D | S | F or S | - Summer - 1st flower is fully opened |
Does not store well - good local crop. No special treatment. | Extremely prolific/floriferous; holds up to heat and humidity. Can be air-dried (fades a bit). |
| Eryngium spp. (Sea Holly) | P | F, D | S, V | Fall. Cold required for flowering. | - Summer - Flower head + bracts are blue |
No special treatment. Flowers persist longer than foliage. 38-40F intensifies color. | Can tolerate some shading - reduces yield but enhances color (especially in the South). Recommended species include E. planum, E. amthystinum, and E. alpinum. |
| Euphorbia marginata (Snow-on-the-mountain) | A | F | S | S | - Fall - Bracts fully colored, flowers not yet opened |
Note that the sap can be an irritant. Removing foliage underwater causes the latex sap to coagulate. No other special treatment | Showy variegated bracts surround inconspicuous flowers. Bracts have a relatively long vase life. |
| Eustoma grandifluorum (Lisianthus) | P, but grow as A | F | S | S | - Summer - 1 flower in inflorescence fully colored (remove central bud) | Flower color will fade if stored in low light. Use a floral preservative solution. | Long seedling stage - plants best purchased as mature plugs. Plants require excellent drainage and stem support in the field. |
| Gladiolus spp. | Treat as an A | F | B | S | - Summer - 1 to 5 flowers on spike showing color |
Floral preservative containing sugar. Condition stems overnight at 70F. Store at 35-40F. Note sensitivity to fluoride present in municipal water. | Sequential planting provides a much longer harvest period. Watch for thrips, Botrytis, and various corm rots. Corms can be dug up and replanted north of zone 8; usually new corms are used each year. |
| Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth) | A | F, D | S | S | - Summer - Flowers showing color but not fully opened |
Fresh flowers best for local markets; storage not recommended. Air-dry upside-down. Remove foliage. | Great annual crop for the Southeast. Can be mechanically harvested. Use the largest, cleanest seed available. Two recommended cultivars are 'Strawberry Fields' and 'Cramer's Raspberry' |
| Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) | P, can grow as A in South | F, D | S, V | Fc | - Throughout summer - Fresh: 60-70% flowers open; Dried: 80-90% flowers open |
Use floral preservative - acidify water to pH 3.5. STS and germicide recommended. Air dry or use a glycerin solution - consult Armitage (1993) for details. | Best results when grown at higher pH - amend soil with dolomitic lime. Requires good drainage. |
| Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) | Annual | F, D | S | SS | - Thoughout summer if sequentially sown - Flowers almost completely open |
1 hour pulse with 0.01% non-ionic detergent solution (Triton X-100); store 36-41F | Try the new pollenless cultivars. Some perennial Helianthus species are also suitable for cuts. |
| Hydrangea spp. | W | F, D | V | F | - Summer - 1/2 of flowers on panicle open. Cut H. macrophylla when fully open. |
May benefit from searing. Condition for 12 hours in cold, slightly acidic (pH 4.0) water. | Many spp. are suitable for fresh or dried cuts. H. arborescens 'Annabelle'; H. macrophylla, H. paniculata, and H. quercifolia. |
| Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly) | W | F | V | S | - Spring - Before fruit reaches maturity |
Can remove foliage if desired. Store stems dry at 32-33F. | Both the deciduous and evergreen hollies are useful in the florist trade. Be sure to interplant some male hollies as pollinators - only the female plants bear fruit. |
| Iris hybrids (Dutch Iris) | Ap | F | B | F | - Spring - Flower fully emerged from sheath (pencil stage) |
Rehydrate in warm (100F) water. store upright at 32F. | Use largest bulbs available. Plant immediately upon receipt. Cultivars of the perennial Siberian iris (I. siberica) also produce nice cuts, seed pods, and foliage. |
| Lavatera trimestris (Mallow) | A | F | S | S | - Summer - Flowers are uncurling, just beginning to open |
Best for local markets; storage not recommended. | Susceptible to myriad pests and diseases - spray accordingly. Grow on the dry side with generous spacing/aeration. |
| Lavandula spp. (Lavender) | P | F, D | S, V | F or S | - Summer - 1/2 of florets open (showing color) |
Store at cool temps. Dry in cool, dry conditions | Requires excellent drainage. Grow fairly dry. Avoid dwarf cultivars for cuts. |
| Liatris spp. (Blazing Star, Gayfeather) | P | F | S, V, C | Fc | - Late summer - 3-4 flowers open; fully opened to dry |
Preservative/sucrose solution prolongs vase life. store at 32-35F with good air circulation. Air dry upside-down, strip leaves | Many superior cultivars for cuts; L. spicata 'Kobold' and Floristan Violet |
| Lilium hybrids (Lily) | Ap, P | F | B | Fc | - Summer - 1st flower not open but fully colored |
Pulse with STS, then store in preservative solution. Can store wet or dry (wrap flowers in poly film) at 33F | Consult DeHertogh (1989) for cultivars and hybrids postharvest specifics. Consult Armitage (1993) for discussion of field production in the Southeast (+ other potential Lily spp. for cuts) |
| Limonium sinuatum (Statice) | A | F, D | S | Fc or ES | - Summer through fall - 80% flower head open |
No special requirements; can store dry for 2-3 weeks at 36-41F. | May be air-dried or preserved with glycerin. Perennial spp. L. latifolium, L. tataricum and L. altaica are also excellent cuts. |
| Lobelia spp. and hybrids | P | F | S, V | F | - Fall - 1/3 to 1/2 flowers open on stem |
Floral preservative. | Requires generous watering and light shade for best performance. Good for late summer production. |
| Lunaria annua (Money Plant, Honesty) | B | D | S | Fc | - Spring - Pods are fully developed |
Air dry upside-down in a dark place. Fresh cuts are o.k. for local markets but the flowers tend to shatter. | Biennial. Light shade necessary in the South. |
| Lysimachia clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Summer - Flowers 1/3 to 1/2 open |
Floral preservative drastically extends vase life. Store at 36-41F. | Vigorous, rhizomatous spreader. Provide mesh support. |
| Narcissus hybrids (Daffodil) | P | F | B | Fc | - Spring - Singles - bud closed but showing color (goose-neck stage) Doubles - flowers beginning to open. |
Preservative not necessary. Store upright at 32-36F. Daffodil "sap" is detrimental to many other cut spp. - see Armitage (1993) for pretreatments. | Consult Armitage (1993) or your local bulb specialist for appropriate cultivars. |
| Nerine sarniensis (Guernsey Lily) | P | F | B | Fc | - Late summer, fall - 1st flower beginning to open. Note that flowers appear prior to the foliage in the fall. Bulbs go dormant in warm weather. |
No special preservatives required. Store fairly warm - temperatures below 41F will damage flowers. | Some shade beneficial in the South. Behaves similar to Lycoris - Resurrection lily. |
| Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist) | A | F, D | S | F or ES | - Summer - Flowersfully colored but petals not fully separated. Pods: harvest when purple-bronze |
Use preservative, store only if necessary at 36-41F. Can air dry fully-opened flowers or seed pods. | Successive plantings recommended. Some shade is beneficial in the South. Best pods are from terminal flowers. |
| Paeonia hybrids (Peony) | P | F, D | V | Fc | - Spring - 1st true color appears at top of tight bud. Double flowered types should be further developed than singles, also red cvs. more so than whites |
Store at 32-36F in water. Remove lower leaves from stem. Several options for drying. | Peonies are a profitable crop, however, culture in zone 7 is a bit more complicated than in northern zones. Consult the literature for appropriate cultivars and growing tips. |
| Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) | P | F | V | F | - Early summer - 1/2 flowers open on inflorescence |
Sensitive to ethylene. Treat w/ a silver-based preservative + floral preservative. Store at 38F. | Pinch once plants are established, leaving 4-5 leaf pairs. Use mildew-resistant cultivars. |
| Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern) | A | F, D | S | S | - Summer - Fruit fully colored |
Store fresh at 36-41F in water. Hang stems to air-dry. | Keep well-watered to prevent malformed fruit. |
| Phystostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Summer - Spikes are fully elongated yet flowers not open |
Floral preservative, sugar, and STS pulses all improve vase life. Quickly cool and store at 40F. | Plants are vigorous and spread rapidly. Division every 2-3 years is recommended. |
| Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloonflower) | P | F | S, V | Fc | - Summer - 2-3 flowers open on stem |
Floral preservative, can store at 40F. | Provide stem supports. Best yield after the first year. |
| Polianthes tuberosa (Tuberose) | P | F | T | ES | - Late summer - 2-4 flowers open, others showing color |
Store at 45-50F (but not below) in water. | Wonderful fragrance. Survives zone 7 winters if well mulched. Lift bulbs in more northern zones. |
| Salix spp. (Willow) | W | F, D | S, V | F or S | - Spring (for catkins) fall (for stems) - Harvest leafless stems at peak of color |
Place in water after harvest. Remove foliage if necessary. | Cut willows back to the ground in early spring. Grow different spp. for catkins, contorted stems, or colorful winter stems (red, gold). |
| Salvia leucantha (Velvet Sage, Mex. Bush Sage) | A | F, D | V | S | - Fall - 1st 3-4 basal flowers fully opened |
Water w/ floral preservative. STS pulse useful. Can store briefly at 35-40F. Air-dry. | Plants form large clumps - space accordingly (1.5-2' centers). Other perennial and half-hardy Salvias are ga ing garden popularity - many species may make fine cuts. |
| Saponaria officianalis (Bouncing Bet) | P | F | S, V | S | - Summer - 1st flowers open |
Water w/ floral preservative. Store at 35-40F. | Do not overfertilize. Pinch back in spring to encourage branching. |
| Scabiosa spp. (Pincushion Flower) | A, P | F | S, V | SS (annual) F (perennial) | - Summer - S. caucasica (perennial):as soon as flower color visible. S. atropurpurea (annual): when flower is almost fully opened |
Water w/ floral preservative. Store at 40F. | The annual Scabious is more heat tolerant than the perennial species. |
| Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) | P | F, D | S, V | F or S | - Early fall - 1/2 of flowers open on inflorescence | Water w/ floral preservative. Store at 40F in water or dry. Air dry flowers upright. | Prone to rust (Coleosporium asterum). Do not plant near pine trees (alternate hosts to the rust). |
| x Solidaster luteus (Solidaster) | P | F, D | V | F or S | - Early fall - 1/3 flowers open |
Water with floral preservative. Store at 40F in water or dry. Air dry flowers upright. | Hybrid between Solidago and Aster. Also susceptible to rusts and aster diseases. |
| Thalictrum spp. (Meadow-rue) | P | F, D | S, V | F | - Late spring - Most of the flowers are open |
Water with floral preservative. Storage not recommended. | Both Thalictrum delavayi and T. aquilegifolium are useful as airy filler flowers. Some afternoon shade may be helpful. |
| Trachelium caeruleum (Throatwort) | A | F | S | Early F | - Late winter, spring - 1/4 to 1/3 of flowers open |
Store in water. STS pulse helpful but not necessary. Store at 40F. | A great blue color. Difficult to grow Trachelium during the summer in the South. |
| Triteleia laxa (Brodiaea) | P | F | C | F or W | - Late spring - 4-6 flowers open |
Water with floral preservative - recut stem at each water change. | This West Coast native requires good drainage. Soil fungicides are helpful. |
| Tulipa hybrids (Tulip) | A | F | B | Fc | - Spring (cv.-dependent) - 1/2 to 3/4 of the flower is colored |
Store at 32-35F, wet or dry. Note phototropic response - stems bend toward light. Consult the literature for recommended growth regulators and other post-harvest handling techniques. | Extend the time of harvest with early, mid, and late spring blooming cultivars. |
| Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root) | P | F | S, V | F | - Early summer - Remove terminal flower, cut when laterals are 1/3 open |
Water with floral preservative. Storage not recommended. | Pinching out the center flower produces fuller, more attractive inflorescences. |
| Zantedeschia spp and hybrids (Calla Lily) | P | F | R | S | - Early summer - Cut when spathes unroll; almost fully open |
Pretreat cuts with a conditioning solution. Store at 42-46F, ship dry. | Clay soils and poor drainage lead to bacterial soft rot (Erwinia spp.) of the rhizome. Refer to the literature concerning the use of growth regulators (increase # of stems), prevention of various pathogens and production techniques for growing Callas. |
| Zinnia elegans (Zinnia) | A | F, D | S | SS | - Throughout summer - Flowers are fully mature |
Floral preservative; store at 36-40F. | Do not use overhead irrigation: promotes powdery mildew. 'Oklahoma' and 'Benary's Giant' series recommended. |
Armitage, Allan M.. 1997. Herbaceous perennial plants, 2nd ed. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, IL
Stevens, Alan. 1996. Field grown cut flowers: a practical guide & source book. Avatar's World (800.884.4730)
Cut Flower Quarterly. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. ASCFG, Inc. MPO Box 268, Oberlin, OH 44074. (440.774.2887)
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