MARKETING CUT FLOWERS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 97, Issue 6, 15 December 1958, Page 559

MARKETING CUT FLOWERS

THOUGH flowers may not be considered of great economic importance in New Zealand, • their production and the financial return received are important to a large section of commercial growers. Marketing of cut flowers is a specialised aspect of this work, and in this article J. P. Salinger, Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture, Wellington, describes the preparation of flowers for market and the requirements of each of the main markets.

THE marketing of cut flowers and pot plants has developed haphazardly, in contrast to the marketing of fruit and vegetables, which have for years been marketed in standardised containers, some prescribed by regulation. Many of the practices have been decided by tradition and convenience rather than by marketing authorities and. the requirements of the flowers being marketed. ..

Cut-flower growing is an oldestablished industry carried out mainly by specialist producers who understand the growing of flowers and the requirements of the purchaser. There is still scope for further development of this industry if combined with other lines, but there is little prospect of financial success if garden surplus or flowers grown on speculation are marketed. Once a grower has become known for certain flowers, they should be grown and marketed every year, even if the price is low in one season. Cut-flower production, however, is not a quick and easy way to a fortune. The profit cannot be judged by the price of a bouquet from the florist. In this industry as in all others there are certain basic requirements:

0 A good knowledge of the cultivation of the plants, including preparation for market.

© A consistent supply, either in the season or throughout the year, every year.

@ A high standard of quality, regularly maintained with careful

bunching and packing.

If these essentials can be achieved, a fair return will be received from the market whatever the weather, the supply, or the time of year.

Knowledge of cultivation: Details of the cultivation of individual flowers is outside the scope of this article, but certain rules apply to all flowers.

Growers’ experience: There is no room in commercial horticulture for the grower without training and practical experience. It is the exception rather than the rule for an inexperienced new entrant to the industry to start from scratch and succeed; even an experienced home gardener finds difficulty in learning and adapting himself to commercial production. In fact a commercial grower is likely to be better, as a home gardener than a home gardener would be . in the com-

mercial sphere, as he can adapt commercial techniques to the home garden, whereas home garden methods could seldom be applied to commercial practice.

Therefore the prospective commercial grower needs first to gain experience, preferably by working for at least one season with a good grower in the area. If this is not possible, the cultivation of flowers should be developed slowly in conjunction with other crops or by gaining full experience on small plots of flowers. It is easy to become careless in many ways, and unless the grower has a standard to work to, it will be very difficult either to improve methods of cultivation or to correct bad practices.

Some producers can grow good flowers, but fail in marketing. They tend to become absorbed in producing the flowers and to forget the ultimate purpose, which is to provide the market with the best material in the freshest condition. Good produce is often spoilt in cutting, packing, and marketing, but the reverse, that poorquality flowers can be improved by good presentation, does not hold. In the preparation of flowers for market certain rules apply to all flowers, though handling and marketing of individual flowers vary.

The best cut flowers will come from plants that are well nourished and well supplied with water. It is seldom possible to cut quality flowers from plants which are dry at the roots or which have otherwise suffered from hot, sunny, or windy weather. The stems of the flowers are woody or thin, the flowers lack substance and size, and even if left in water for a long time before packing, they will not have the quality of those cut from

vigorous plants, nor will they last as long after cutting.

Cutting Flowers

Flowers are tender and can suffer damage at any time while growing or being marketed; petals bruise badly even through one bloom pressing on the next and this damage may not show until the flowers reach the market. Even when large quantities are being marketed care should be taken at all stages.

Normally, flowers should be cut in the early part of the day, when the plants are full of water; alternatively,

they , may be gathered in the early evening as the heat of the . day decreases. They should be carried so that the weight of the flower or flower spike is supported by the arm or the edge of the container, or they should hang down, but they should never be carried so that a bloom rests on the one below. Alternatively, buckets or

similar receptacles can be brought to the field and flowers placed upright in these containers. As soon as possible after being cut the flowers should be taken from the field and set in containers of water in the shade or packing shed. On level properties where a large quantity of flowers is handled a trolley or light truck can be used. If flowers are carried in the crook of the arm by pickers, the lower bunches get damaged. Where a vehicle is to be used to bring flowers from the field to the shed, a framework should be designed to hold the bunches of flowers. Flowers laid . flat loosely in boxes rub and bruise each other as the vehicle travels over uneven ground. Some growers take the packing containers out into the field to carry in the flowers.. Normally they do not take as many containers as will be needed for the final packing. Layout of Packing Shed The flower packing shed, whether it is a building designed solely for this purpose or not, must have adequate

doorways, correct lighting, adequate water supply and drainage, enough covered space to hold empty and packed containers, and sufficient benches for bunching and packing. Adequate Doorways Doorways should be wide enough to allow boxes to be lifted in and out and to take a trolley, if this is used for carrying the flowers from the field. If left outside, flowers soon suffer from wind or hot sun: they, should be brought under cover as soon as possible after picking. The packing bench should be to one side of the door, so that wind will not blow directly on to. the flowers. If the packing shed is used for other purposes, such as a garage, the bench can be hinged to a wall. Correct Lighting The shed should have adequate light, preferably from windows on the south side. Windows on the north side should either be shaded or have a deep overhanging eave to keep out strong

sunlight. If window space is inadequate, additional natural light can be gained by inserting corrugated transparent plastic roofing sheets on the south side in place of the corrugated iron normally used for roofing. Artificial light will be needed in winter, fluorescent lamps or tubes being best. Their installation cost is higher, but running costs and the efficiency of these lights will soon offset the original cost. Adequate Water and Drainage As flower stems must always be placed in clean water, a plentiful supply of tap water should be readily available. Taps should be set along the wall, not in the centre of the floor space, and be 24 ft. or less from ground level. It should be possible to place a container beneath the tap and turn on the water without its splashing out as the container fills. It should never be necessary to hold a container while it is being filled. Taps should be of good quality, and. kept in good repair; nothing is more unpleasant than a floor kept damp by a dripping tap. Where water pressure is very high a short

length of hose should be attached to the tap.

The drainage of the shed is closely linked with the water supply. There should be a large screened drain in one corner and the floor of the shed should be sloped sufficiently when laid to allow the water to run naturally to this drain. Preferably a channel should be run from the tap to the drain so that the floor is kept dry.

Storage of Containers

Adequate space is necessary for storing empty boxes and stacking packed ones. When empties arrive from the market they should be placed under cover immediately. Wet boxes are not only harmful to flowers, but are unpleasant to handle and unnecessarily heavy.

Packed boxes should be stacked neatly or placed by the door so that they can be loaded quickly and easily on to the transport going to market.

Where flowers are packed upright in boxes, even if protected by'newspaper, sufficient space must be left between the boxes so that they can be lifted easily without the flowers intertwining.

Handles or cleats on the ends of the boxes make this work easier. Bunching and Packing Benches Flowers with single straight stems, such as narcissus, gladiolus, and poppies, can be bunched in the field; they should be graded at the time of picking. Plants with immature buds or excessive. foliage, such as asters, dahlias, and cut shrubs, need attention before bunching. Depending on the quantity of flowers, they should either be placed in containers of water at a convenient working height or placed direct on the bench for bunching. The bench should be designed to suit the person who is to use it. If indoors, it should be set against the wall with light from a window falling on it; it should be firm and wide enough to hold the flowers or boxes, but not so wide that the packer has to stretch to reach, the back. The height above the floor is important; where a woman is working for any length of time a seat or stool should be available and the height .fixed accordingly. For- women standing a working height of 2 ft. 10 in. to 3 ft. allows boxes to be packed so that the packer can see right inside the box. If a shed is inadequately heated and has a concrete floor, duckboards or some insulation from the floor should

be provided, as otherwise workers will get cold feet and possibly chilblains. It has been proved conclusively in industry that efficient and comfortable working conditions make for efficient work and higher output. The bench top is usually wood, but a working surface of linoleum, plastic, or American cloth is more pleasant to use and can be kept clean more easily. Wood becomes wet and may even produce splinters, and once the surface wears it can never be kept really clean. If the weather is not too hot and a large quantity of flowers is to be handled, it could be an advantage to have a bench which could be set up outside in the shade and worked from both sides. Bunching and Packing The buncher and packer will require rubber bands or tying material, wrapping paper, and a rubbish bin. Generally the use of rubber bands or raffia previously cut to convenient lengths is preferable to strips of flax or- binder twine, except for woody material. The time saved and the general efficiency of rubber bands compensate for their cost. Rubber bands can be picked up direct from the boxes or slipped over a finger or hand. Adequate supplies should always be kept.

Newspaper is commonly used for •wrapping bunches or lining boxes. It is quite satisfactory for the general range of flowers, but it absorbs moisture and removes the smell from scented flowers. Florists’ tissue is better for valuable or soft flowers, such as carnations or daphne.

The paper should be cut to a size suitable for bunching or lining. It can then be stacked on the bench or hung over a wire above the bench. The bunchers and packers should never have to cut and prepare their own packing material while packing is in progress.

Rubbish bins are essential for holding plant refuse and torn paper, so that benches can be kept clean and free from rubbish. Four-gallon open tins are excellent, but should be emptied daily once the packing is finished, as should the water containers.

Where flowers are bunched in the shed some growers lay them on a cradle (see diagram below). A cradle

is also useful for supporting bunches of flowers off the bench when boxes are being packed. Bunching and Packing Routine Four different methods of bunching and packing can be followed: 1. Bunch in field, place flowers in water in shed, pack in box. 2. Unbunched flowers from field, place in water in shed, bunch, replace in water, pack. 3. Unbunched flowers from field, to bench for bunching, place in water, pack. 4. Unbunched flowers from field, place in water, bunch, and pack. Method 1 is suitable for flowers which the picker can grade as he gathers. This is the most efficient method. Method 2 involves too much handling. Methods 3 and 4 are similar and the choice of either depends on the type and quality of the flowers. Method 3 is preferable if quality is variable and more than two grades have to be made; it is also better where the flowers need a lot' of attention before bunching, either for treatment of the stems or for removal of unwanted growths. Method 4 is applicable to flowers of an even grade which do not need much attention and is almost as efficient as method 1, as bunching and packing are continuous operations. Treatment of Stems before Packing Most flowers will take up water without any treatment. Those with hollow stems or which produce a milky sap need heat treatment; woody

stems should be crushed to allow water to be taken up. Heat treatment is given by singeing the bases of the stems in a flame or by placing the bases in very hot water 1 in. deep. Iceland poppies and dahlias need this treatment, though only to the bases of the stems. The bases of the stems of woody plants like chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, and cut shrubs should be crushed on the bench with a hammer. Only the bases need treatment; sufficient firm wood should be left to fit on needlepoint holders of florists’ containers. Flowers and leaves should always be free of surplus moisture at packing time. Sale of Cut Flowers Cut flowers are sold through wholesale markets or direct to florists or the public. The choice of the best outlet depends on the proximity of the holding to a main market, whether or not the holding is on a frequently used road, the type and quantity of flowers grown, and the grower’s own preference. Requirements for Wholesale Markets Wholesale markets require a regular large supply of each type of flower. Small consignments seldom make a good price unless the flowers are of exceptional quality, unusual, rare, or highly prized. Even then a regular supplier normally receives the highest prices. The main purchasers in the market are florists, who require large quantities of the flowers in season at the time of year and to a less extent

look for unusual or special lines not being supplied to their shops.

Fruiterers will also buy quantities of seasonal flowers and will take flowers of lower quality than will florists, as they cater more for occasional purchasers. Representatives of hotels and some large firms will also buy from wholesale markets. They will require flowers and foliage which can be used for large displays. Few people get purely personal requirements at auction.

Regularity of supply and maintenance of good quality are most important; once a supplier to the markets is known by name for his produce ■competition for it will ensure good prices. His flowers will sell before odd lots from occasional suppliers. They may not be better than others offered at the same time, but the florist knows the type of material he can expect from regular suppliers and will purchase with confidence after valuing the first bunches put up for inspection.

’ Fruiterers, too, get to know suppliers and their produce, but to them this is less important than being able to purchase a quantity of one type of flower. They already know what price they are likely to charge and so will look for a quantity of an even grade, probably of lower quality than the florist requires.

Wholesale markets seldom require bunches of mixed flowers.

Florists Requirements

The main trade of florists is based on orders given in the shops for flowers to be supplied as gifts. Boxes or bunches of mixed choice flowers are regularly being sent to hospitals, ships, and private homes. Flowers are required for weddings, receptions, and funerals and though the flowers are made up into bouquets or sprays, the florist prefers to start with flowers on good stems and trim these rather than to make do with odds and ends.

The sale of single bunches of one type of flower is only a very small part of the retail trade and a florist’s requirements will reach certain peaks, especially in winter, when an important function is to take place. Christmas and Easter, when white flowers especially are required, are two other busy times and more thought could be given to growing, appropriate flowers for these occasions. There is ’ also a peak demand on Mother’s Day. If a grower had suitable storage, - it might be worth storing ’ flowers, even in winter, so that .the market can be, well supplied when : important functions stimulate demand. ..

Florists are prepared to , buy direct from growers small regular supplies of unusual flowers or flowers which do not keep well, such as roses. A grower with a large garden or a holding with a range of unusual shrubs and other flowers may be able to arrange to supply a florist with small •quantities of them—quantities which

might sell poorly on the open market. Prices paid would be a matter for mutual agreement and trust, but if a regular supply could be offered a fixed price could be agreed on for the whole of the season for. one line of flowers. Generally this works in the grower’s favour. Even growers who produce large quantities of flowers make contracts for supplying florists with the whole of their output. Here again consistency of supply and quality is demanded, and the florists should be consulted before any major change in production is made. Direct Sales to Public Where a grower’s property abuts a frequently used road direct sales to passing motorists can be a good supplement to other outlets. No great quantity can be cleared in this way and it is certainly not profitable to have to stop work on the holding to sell 2s. worth of flowers and talk for 5 minutes. The sale should either be made by someone who is always near the road or a self-service box left near the flowers. Alternatively, arrangements could be made with a local full-time stall-holder to sell on commission. Direct sales are one of the few ways in which mixed bunches can be sold, but even so people often prefer to buy a bunch of one type of flower rather than to have a ready-made selection. Delivery of flowers to a number of customers may seem desirable, but profit can be absorbed in the running of a van and the time spent away from the holding.

Supplying Distant Markets Air transport now offers great possibilities for marketing flowers in all parts of New Zealand. However, before a grower starts consigning to a distant market he should make certain that his flowers are definitely required there. Usually a distant market will be profitable only if the grower can: 1. Supply flowers, such as narcissus, earlier than local growers. 2. Supply a special line, such as carnations or gerberas, which are not grown to any great extent near the centre. 3. Supply high-quality flowers with a short season, such as tulips (even in the flush of the season). Distant markets are no answer to local gluts and are unlikely to be profitable during the main harvesting period with flowers such as narcissus and gladiolus, which have a long marketing season. So far little has been done to investigate the export of flowers. Some specialist growers are exploring the possibilities and an export trade with Australia and the U.S.A, may be developed. Containers Holdings close to market: The grower can deliver or arrange delivery in a covered van with the bunches of flowers set upright in boxes. Where carriers have mixed loads, flowers packed vertically may get damaged. If this is likely to occur, packing flat in boxes is preferable. Even when delivered direct to the market in this

way flowers should be protected by wrapping paper round groups of bunches.

Boxes with the grower’s mark should be well made, but not too large or heavy, as then boxes tend to be knocked and the flowers damaged as they are being unloaded and carried into auction rooms. Deliveries to florists can be made in the same way or the flowers laid flat on sheets of paper; the upright packing is better, as the flowers rub together less than when lying with one bunch on top of the other.

Holdings at a distance from market: Most growers at a distance from market forward flowers in large wooden boxes delivered and returned by carriers. Carriers' charges are based on the sizes of the boxes. Those used include banana cases, cut-down packing cases, or boxes made to order. These boxes are usually large, heavy, and very strongly made, but carriers, market staff, and florists dislike handling heavy and unwieldy packages. Growers favour these cases because they hold a large quantity of flowers and the flowers and the heavier cases are damaged less in transit. Carriers maintain that the variation in the sizes of boxes is more likely to cause damage, as the bulk of their loads consist of vegetables packed in standard cases. Any container which does not match the standard vegetable cases makes loading difficult and it or its contents are likely to be damaged. A consignment of standard boxes, even if they are different from vegetable cases, can be handled more efficiently than a collection of boxes varying in size.

The question of containers needs careful consideration: in most other parts of the world flowers are transported satisfactorily in much lighter containers than those used here. Anyone who has watched large cases being manhandled on and off the lorries at the markets will realise that these and the contents are subjected to more knocks than are lighter containers.

Growers who concentrate on certain lines would be well advised to make special containers for these flowers. There will be a standard delivery charge for full or empty containers, and growers who use standard containers for flowers like carnations, irises, gladiolus, and chrysanthemums have found that such containers benefit themselves and the purchaser. All boxes should be light enough when full to be handled by women and easily transported within the markets. Wooden cases of the following sizes have proved popular among suppliers of the Wellington market: , <. 7 in. deep, 14 in. wide; 28 in. long for carnations > < 6 in. deep, 18 in. wide, 30 in. long for irises, anemones, and narcissus

The timber used is J or i in. undressed pine with the ends 1 in. thick.

Many growers nail lids to boxes, but lids are usually broken at the ends when the boxes are opened. A hinged lid is more satisfactory and provided two cleats are nailed across the inside and the lid is firmly tied down, it will not move during transit.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are excellent under certain circumstances for transport of flowers, such as when flowers are sent by. air, as the charge for transport is usually based on the weight of the consignment. They can also be used for small flowers, such as bunches of daphne or orchids.

If chrysanthemums and other longstemmed flowers are to be packed in cardboard boxes, it is advisable to staple thin wooden supports in the corners and at the sides of the boxes, as the weight of several boxes piled high may crush the lower boxes. By arrangement with the box manufacturers, it is possible to incorporate internal supports and yet make a box which is collapsible when empty and so returnable.

Cardboard boxes should be lined with non-absorbent paper, such as florists’ tissue, as cardboard absorbs moisture from flowers. Packing should be done carefully so that the box is full and the bunches cannot shift; any spaces should be filled with crumpled newspaper. ... .

Growers who consign flowers long distances by road do not favour cardboard boxes, as they tend to be crushed if ropes or tarpaulins' are tied too tightly round the load. In this instance standardised wooden packages are preferable. On the other hand, cardboard boxes are excellent where deliveries are made by bus services.

Cool Storage of Flowers

Few growers. or florists have cool stores for storing, cut blooms, and the market is, rather suspicious of coolstored flowers, as occasionally they have had very poor lasting qualities. Cool stores are unlikely to be profitable if used only for holding flowers when the market is glutted. They are of greater value for holding flowers in expectation of a period of ■ scarcity, to even out supplies, or in winter before a keen demand by florists on the eve of an important social function.

Cool: stores must be . properly ; constructed and should have high humidity with a minimum of air ..circulation. Stored flowers should be healthy and undamaged, as moulds can develop on damaged areas either in store or after dispatch. '

Choice of Crops for Newcomers

It is difficult to advise newcomers to the cut flower industry as to the most profitable flowers to grow. If an

easily grown flower makes a good price one season, supply is likely to be adequate the following season.

Some flowers are high priced because they are difficult to grow or require high capital outlay in glasshouses or equipment.' Though flowers like orchids command high prices, there is only a limited demand, and a greater supply might bring prices down to unprofitable • levels. Flowers such as narcissus, irises, and tulips are a sideline for many bulb growers. If grown only as cut flowers, they should either come on the market early or be of exceptional quality.

A study of the list of wholesale market requirements on pages 570 to 572 will indicate possible lines to grow. The final decision will depend on the grower’s experience and the location of the holding, but almost any type of flower which will keep well in water will be profitable if high-quality blooms are consistently grown and are marketed in the best manner. White flowers occasionally make very high prices for special occasions, but seldom are much in demand.

If a large, old-established domestic garden is converted to commercial flower production, it may be better to sell direct to florists than to supply wholesale markets, but prices will depend on the quality of the flowers compared with those available at the markets. At certain periods, such as November and the end of February, when choice of flowers is limited, high prices will be paid for good blooms.

It is of little use aiming specifically to supply the market at Christmas, Easter, and for Anzac Day, or, in the south, during July, as the weather may upset the most carefully designed cropping. Growing flowers which can be harvested over a period, including these dates, is a wiser course.

Visits to Markets

Unless a grower is entirely satisfied with the financial return for his produce, he should periodically visit the market or his florist customers. He will then realise why his flowers make the return they do. He should compare his supplies carefully with others offered at the same time and discuss his. problems with the auctioneer or florist.

These visits should be made at the peak of the supply season, not at the tail end of the crop. The grower may think he can ill-afford the time to visit the market in the busy season, but he will find it well worth while.

A morning at the market may save time in the future, help improve production and packing, and bring higher net returns. Poor prices may not be due to a poor market; they are more

likely to occur if the flowers do not arrive and unpack up to the general standard. . . Pot Plants Pot plants are not supplied regularly to the wholesale markets, but florists want limited quantities. There is a steady demand for foliage plants, cacti, and cyclamen, though the last are often grown mainly as cut flowers, a surplus being sold as flowering plants.

Pot plant production is carried out mainly by glasshouse growers of seedlings or cut flowers. Their production requires high capital investment, a knowledge of glasshouse culture of plants, and quick access to the florists. The same high standards are required as with cut flowers. There is an opening for further supplies, but the market possibilities should be fully studied before the growing of pot plants is undertaken.

Wholesale Market Requirements

For the following list of the requirements for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch wholesale markets comments were supplied by salesmen and the Horticulturists of the Horticulture Division in the three centres. Numbers of flowers per bunch are shown, but these flowers are often sold by the half gross or gross. Purchasers ■ but’ after a careful examination of the flowers displayed . and usually base their price on the worst flowers in a bunch.

Cut Flower Requirements for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Wholesale Markets

Number In ' bunch Market Ageratum . . . 12 Ak., Ch. Perennial. Fair demand when other flowers .in short , supply Agapanthus . . 6 .’ Wn. Both flowers and dried seed heads wanted occasionally Anemone . . . . . 12 . All Good demand on all markets May to October. Flowers should be half open and have long stems. Cerise, red, and mauve most popular. Travel well Arum .... 6 Ak. Little demand for white, keen demand for small-flowered varieties (calla) ; large yellow also popular 6 . • Wn. Little demand for white; yellow and mauve calla sell well (i . . Ch. Good demand throughout season. Smaller blooms preferred (Stems very soft; must be tied carefully. Travel well In bud stage) ' . t Aster 12 All Good demand, if well grown. Individual flowers on long stems required. Pink, red, and mauve popular. Do not travel well over long distances Berries . 6 Wn. Fair demand for large branches of callicarpa, cotoneaster, eugenia, idesia. Holly ■. unpopular owing to spines. Bunches of berries alone also required Bilbergia ' . . 12 Ak. Limited demand in August when other flowers short Boronia 6 or 12 All Keen demand for scented variety; other varieties less popular. Travel well Bouvardia .. 6 Ak., Wn., Ch. Keen demand for all colours. Heads often packed in boxes; need careful packing to prevent bruising Calendula . . 12 Ak. Not generally wanted; sometimes required in winter 12 Wn. Little demand 12 Ch. Good demand in winter after chrysanthemums finished. Travel well Camellia —• Ak. Very limited demand . Wn., Ch. Fair demand. Should not be bunched as flowers bruise very easily; pack carefully in cardboard boxes or pin to sheet of cardboard ; - Carnation . . . . 12 Ak. Good demand for quality lines. Clear pinks and reds most popular, variable demand for whites and poorer quality, striped and other colours not in demand 12 Wn. Keen demand for quality lines; glasshouse-grown varieties bring best prices. Pinkmost popular, but good self-colours and brighter striped varieties sell well. Social events affect market demand 6 or 12 Ch. . Good demand for quality lines, especially glasshouse grown (bunched in sixes). Pink most popular; other self-colours sell well. Outside grown bunched in twelves. Popular in winter (Good-quality carnations should have non-splitting calyces, long strong stems, and be disbudded) Chrysanthemum’ .. 6 to 12 ' All Good, demand for quality blooms of medium size. Heads should be disbudded . and have good foliage on . long, strong stems. Choice of variety is important. Flowers should have firm petals. Care in. bunching is needed to prevent crushing of blooms. Colours are not important, provided quality is good. Travel well Coreopsis ~ .. 12 All Seldom wanted Cornflower . . .. - Ak. Little demand 12 Wn., Ch. Steady demand, but seldom makes high’prices. Blue most popular Cyclamen 6 to 12 , Ak. Demand very variable; good-quality 'whites, pinks, and mauves required 6 ’ Wn. Variable demand, depending on competition- from other flowers. Bright colours •• : ■ required ■ •’ - . ::• ' 12 Ch. Keen demand in winter; sell throughout year. All colours required (Need careful packing, as they bruise readily; pack In small quantities In strong cardboard boxes) Daphne .; 3 to 6 Ak. Keen demand for good quality 3 to 6 Wn., Ch. Demand variable. Bunch according to size of sprays. Most of the flowers should beopen . Dahlia ■ .. 12 Ak. Very limited demand- for charms and poms in light, clear shades ■ 12 or 36 Wn. Steady demand for . cactus and poms in clear colours, especially pinks and reds.. - Florists take medium decorative varieties on direct delivery 6 or 12 Ch. Very limited demand for smaller-flowered varieties in bright colours (Stems should be singed or plunged in hot water before dispatch; even then they do not travel well) Daisy .. .. 12 Ak. Ne demand for shastas. Marguerites sometimes wanted when other flowers scarce' - Wn. Seldom supplied to market. Double whites used by florists for wreaths 72 (6 x 12) Ch. Demand during winter only. Pink, yellow, and white -flowered preferred. Travel well . ■ . > ...

"“Kd, ln «" k< * Delphinium .. . . 3to 6 Ak. Limited demand for small spikes and laterals 3 to 6 Wn. Good demand. Long stems though popular are difficult to market. Blue preferred, but increasing interest in pink and belladonna types 3 to 6 Ch. Good demand. Laterals and smaller stems find ready market. Deeper blues preferred. Supplied throughout season. Do not travel well Dianthus . . . . 12 or 24 Wn., Ch. Fair demand in season for border carnations and brightly coloured pinks; market can become oversupplied in mid season. Travel well Echeveria .. . . 12 Ak. Fair demand for E. multicaule in winter when other flowers short. Not required at other times Erica . . . . 6 Ak. Fair demand for wild red and white varieties early in season, when other flowers short ' 6 - : Wn., Ch. Adequate supply of wild varieties. Steady demand for cultivated varieties Fern, asparagus . . Ak. Little demand 6 Wn. Long trails, . 2 to 3 ft. long keenly sought; fair demand for shorter fans 6 Ch. Good demand throughout year, especially for trails Fern, maidenhair . . Ak. Little demand 12 Wn. Steady demand throughout year. Keen demand for fine varieties in social season 12 Ch. Good demand throughout year, especially in social season Flowering shrubs .. Ak. Fair demand for. limited supplies of waratah, protea, and leucospermum. Others seldom offered . Wn. Good demand for wide range of shrubs such as banksia, cherry, forsythia, hakea, lilac, protea, and wintersweet. Market interested in unusual flowering shrubs Ch. Material for decorative work keenly sought. Demand depends on supply of other flowers Foliage shrubs . . Ak. Mainly manuka, in poppy season, but limited demand. Little demand at other times .' Wn. ■ Adequate supplies of beech (birch) in poppy season. Fair demand for fine- and variegated-leaved shrubs in winter to mix with Soleil d’Or narcissus Ch. Fair demand in winter for fine-leaved material Freesia ■'S . . ' .. 12 Ak. Good demand for quality lines. Burtoni more popular than coloured varieties 12 ' Wn. Good demand,. especially in June and July. Coloured and Burtoni varieties popular. Common freesia not recommended yL. 12 / '■ • ' Ch: .; - Season begins April. Best prices for coloured varieties ■ (Freeslas should have as long a stem as possible. Travel well) Gerbera .. . . 6 or 12 Ak. Keen demand for newer varieties with bright, clean colours and long stems;, doubles popular 12 Wn. Demand varies, depending on quantity and range of other flowers offered. Travel well 12 Ch. Keen demand. Small supply Gladiolus . . . . 6 , Ak. , Keen.demand, early and late in season for good-quality lines 6 Wn. Good demand for well grown- spikes at beginning and end of season. They dominate the market from December to February and prices vary . 6 .; Ch. Good demand for quality blooms right through season, beginning December (Should be bunched in separate colours, with not more than 2 or 3 florets open. Travel well) Gypsophila . . .. Ak. Fair demand 12 Wn. Popular decorative flower. Blooms should be fully open. Both white and pink accepted . ■ ■ 12 - . Ch. .. . .Keen demand, mainly available in summer.' Open flowers and long steins required. ■ Travel well Helleborus .. .. 12 Ak., Wn. Fair demand. Blooms must be clean, not damaged by weather Humea elegant . . 12 Ak. Good demand . , Hyacinth .. .. 3to 6 All Keen demand for good quality. Stems must be long with plenty of bloom. Require careful packing Iris .. . . 6 Ak. Good demand for bulbous iris except white 6 ; ‘ ' Wn., Ch. Bulbous iris (all colours) sell steadily until September. Iris innominata coining on to market ' • . ■ ' . ■ . ■ (Can be marketed quite tight in bud; should be cut with long, stems. Travel well. Flag iris not required), Ixia . . . . 12 All Good demand’for bright colours. Travel well Kniphofia . . . . 6 Ak. Usually good 'demand for all varieties Lachenalia . . . . G or 12 All Good demand for all varieties. Travel well Lily ■ , . . . . 6 Ak. Demand variable for white trumpets, fair for others ’ " 6 Wn. Peak demand for white varieties at Christmas;, can ; he over-supplied. Fair demand throughout season for other varieties 1,3, 6 -Ch. ; . Good demand, especially at Christmas. Packed according to size and demand ■ (Anthers should be removed from stamens to prevent staining of petals with pollen) Lily of the valley . . 12 All Good demand. Blooms must be dry when packed or they brown. Travel well Narcissus .. .. 12 Ak. Season begins mid May with paper whites; steady demand for these, Soleil d’Or, and . _■ creams until poppies and daffodils come in. All daffodils wanted early in season; in . flush, only good, lilies sought . . j : ■l2 Wn. ■■.. ..Fair demand for paper whites and creams. Soleil d’Or sells well throughout season. Early daffodils such as Golden Spur popular, followed by King Alfred and Fortune. Good red cups in demand 12 Ch. ■ Good demand for all types; Soleil d’Or dominates early market, followed by trumpet ■■■.'.•■■■' ■ - daffodils. Red cups popular (Stiff-petalled blooms on good stems are required. Some varieties are difficult to pack In round bunches; consideration should be given ■ ’ / ; \ 'to packing in faced bunches) .

CUT FLOWER REQUIREMENTS FOR WHOLESALE MARKETS Nu b±»'" Market Nerine .. . • . . 6 or 12 All Popular in all markets Orchid . . . . Ak. Fair demand. Older varieties of cymbidiums not wanted Wn. Reasonable demand. Prices vary with social events. Market sensitive to over-supply Ch. Keenly sought when available Paeony • .. . . 3or 6 . Wn. Quite popular, sell well; reds are best 3 or 6 Ch. Good demand for newer shades. Travel well Polyanthus . . . . Ak. Little demand except early in season 12 Wn. Yellow, red, and pink shades sell well from June onward. . Travel well 12 Ch. Fair demand; clear colours preferred Poppy (Iceland).. 144 (12 x 12) Ak. Best demand early in season; drops off at flush of daffodil season except for top quality 36 Wn. Good demand from June to September; art shades and red most popular colours 72 (6 x 12) Ch. Demand early in season (April) and when chrysanthemums are finished. Art shades preferred ■ (Popples should be cut when calyces just splitting; stems should be singed. Primrose . . . . Ak. Little demand 24 Wn. Good prices received for attractive colours 12 Ch. Fair demand for all shades; doubles preferred Pyrethrum . . . . 12 Ch. . Good demand when available Ranunculus . . Ak. Seldom supplied 12 . ■ Wn., Ch. Large heads on long stems required. Do not travel well Rose . . . . 6 to 12 Ak. Demand very variable. Keen in winter 6 Wn. Choicest buds of selected varieties preferred. Do not travel well in hot weather 6 Ch. Variable demand; generally good, keen during winter. Etoile de Hollande and ' . Mrs Herbert Stevens popular varieties. Specimen buds of double-hybrid polyantha sell well > . Scabious . . . . 12 , Ak. Not in great demand 12 Wn. N. caucasica Blue Mountain and S. columbaria popular.. Biennials not popular 12 Ch. Steady demand throughout year. Long stems preferred Seed heads . . . . Wn., Ch. Fair demand for dried seed heads of Bells of Ireland, grasses, iris, and for ornamental gourds. A grower used to modern decorative arrangements will recognise suitable material. Bunch according to material Sparaxis .... 12 All Limited demand Statice . . . . . 12 Ak. Good demand. Not supplied as dried flowers 12 Wn. Limited demand 12 Ch. Good demand during growing season. Flowers should be fully open and bunched separately in clear colours. Not supplied as dried flowers. Travel well Stock . . . . 6 to 12 Ak. Good demand in winter and spring for quality lines 12 Wn. Should be well grown with heavily flowered heads on longish stems. Mauve, purple, and pink preferred 12 Ch. Good demand in winter for quality blooms on long stems. Pink and mauve preferred. Supplied throughout year but often inferior lines marketed Sweet pea . . . . Ak. Very limited demand j 12 Wn., Ch. Keen demand in winter and spring; small demand in summer owing to short life of flowers. Long stems bunched in separate colours required Sweet sultan . . 12 Ak. Small supply meets good demand Wn., Ch. Seldom offered Tritonia . . . . 12 All Limited demand Tuberose . . . . Ak., Wn. Keenly sought Tulip . . . . 12 Ak. Good demand throughout season 6 Wn. High prices received early and late in season ; adequate supply in mid season. Main supplies from bulb growers. Stripes and parrots not popular 6 Ch. Good demand during whole season (Should be marketed In the bud stage with as long stems as possible. Develop quickly In hot weather. Bunch In separate colours. Travel well) Violet . . . . 25 . Ak. Long-stemmed, strong-scented varieties always in demand. Poorer varieties hard to sell in flush of season 36 Wn. Long-stemmed scented varieties required, especially from May to August. Supply decreasing 144 (6 x 24) Ch. Good demand from April onward. . Supplies sometimes exceed demand late in season (Violets are one of the few flowers marketed with a few leaves round bunches) Water lilies . . . . 6 . Ak. Fair "demand except in flush of season. Pinks and blues popular "W / 6 Ch. Fair demand when available Watsonia . . . . 6 Ak. Fair demand for modern hybrids • 6 Ch. Demand appears to be increasing Zinnia . . . . 12 Ak. . Little demand 12 Wn. .m Good prices paid for best quality; separate colours or matching colours preferred. Pompone type meets with good demand 6 or 12 Ch. Keen demand for quality blooms; second grade usually bunched in twelves. Difficult flower to market owing to hollow neck Pot plants .. .. Ak. Limited demand for cyclamen; little for others Wn. Limited demand for cyclamen. Increasing interest in all types of house plants Ch. Limited demand for tuberous begonias; good demand for well grown cyclamen; supplies of coleus have exceeded demand for some years. Foliage plants have become extremely popular and sell well ' —— : ; ☆ -