Boost Cut Flower Sales with Dahlias, Lilies, and Gladiolus!

While sunflowers and zinnias are cut flower staples from seed, dahlia and lilies should be considered by any serious cut flower grower. Opportunity abounds for growers to market these beauties throughout the summer via wholesalers, CSA's, farmers' markets, roadside stands, and even retail garden centers. For 2016, Harris Seeds is delighted to offer product from Ednie Flower Bulb, Inc., a highly reputable bulb producer.

Dahlias are one of the most spectacular garden flowers. They add an outstandingly exotic and vibrant touch to flower bouquets and gardens. This old-fashioned favorite provides superb, long lasting cut flowers until the fall frost. Decorative dahlia types have symmetrically arranged petals with no visible center. Dinnerplate dahlia types offer the   largest sized blossoms. The Karma Series is particularly well-suited for summer field production, producing many flowers. Dahlias can be stored cool (50-60°F) for a few weeks prior to planting if necessary. Dahlia Growing Instructions (Ednie)

Lilies are ideal for both container and cut flower sales. Most have strong stems that supply 4-6 flowers. They are stunning in mass and also look fantastic individually as an accent plant. Lilies make marvelous statements in mixed bouquets and other floral work. They dependably offer great outdoor performance and flowering ability. LA-Hybrids and Asi-Florum lilies are available in a wide variety of colors, sometimes spotted, and not very fragrant. The flowers of the Asi-Florum lilies are larger than the LA-Hybrids, while the LA-Hybrids produce more flowers. Lilies from our program should be planted upon arrival, but may be stored in a cooler for a few days. Lily Growing Instructions (Ednie)

Gladiolus Velvet Eyes and Fun Time are two new gorgeous varieties to consider for cut flower or spring bulb sales. Gladiolus make an exceptionally colorful display  at roadside stands and are a cut flower staple at farmers' markets. Corms are shipped to you directly from our grower, ready to plant in the field, or sell directly to your customers.  Gladiolus Culture

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Posted by Harris Seeds Ornamentals at 11:30 AM

Proud Mari Marigolds

In a world of limited choices for high performance African marigolds, new Proud Mari is a refreshing addition to the species. Large fully double flowers bloom uniformly across the series, with dwarf compact plants that need little to no plant growth regulators (PGR's). Thick sturdy stems provide extra support for the large blooms that carry them from the greenhouse to the retail bench, and the plants continue to hold up beautifully both for retail displays and in gardens and containers. Try growing Proud Mari yellow, orange and mixture this season along with your other African marigolds and you make the choice. You won't be disappointed! Height: 10-12", 10-12" spread. 

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Posted by Harris Seeds Ornamentals at 10:00 AM

Grow Creative with Sunny Succulents!

Succulent plants are in vogue these days. You'll find them featured in garden magazines and plant catalogs with their striking forms and unusual colors. Retailers have picked up on merchandising mixed combo succulent containers, and home gardeners across the country appreciate their beauty and low maintenance requirements. Not only are succulents a growing market for bedding and containers, they are also increasingly popular in wedding work. Create stunning and unique bouquets, boutonnieres, and inspiring floral arrangements and table centerpieces with an array of succulent varieties. They are easy to tuck or wire into any arrangement!

Take advantage of the succulent trend with the single varieties and assortments available in our plug and liner program. Be sure to check out the Savvy Succulent Kits from Pleasant View Gardens, and our helpful Succulents Guide.

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Posted by Harris Seeds Ornamentals at 1:55 PM