Kentucky cut flower growers are being celebrated this July in a month-long promotional event organized by the Kentucky Horticulture Council and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Each day, cut flower growers across the state will be featured on the Kentucky Grown Cut Flower Promotion Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kygrowncutflowerpromo) and other social media platforms, highlighting where customers can find locally-grown flowers on farms, at farmers markets, pop-up shops, through community supported agriculture subscriptions, and other outlets.
“July is a great month to shine the spotlight on Kentucky’s cut flower industry! Growers throughout the state are very creative in how they offer their offer their bright magnificent blooms to consumers,” said Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County horticulture extension agent. “Customers can find Kentucky blooms at local farmers markets, self-serve flower stands, pop up locations, and right off the farm for u-pick operations or during special field to vase arrangement workshops. If you have a special occasion coming up in the future, fresh locally grown cut flowers can fit that bill! Utilize locally grown flowers to enhance weddings, individual or family photography sessions, graduations, back to school bouquets, anniversaries, and other social gatherings. You simply can’t go wrong with fresh locally grown flowers!”
Most – about 80% – of cut flowers are imported for US markets, yet Kentucky farm conditions are well-suited for high-quality commercial production. The commonwealth is home to well over 130 commercial cut flower operations. The number of farmer-florists continues to increase each year.
“Cut flower production can be profitable for small to large scale Kentucky farms,” said Cindy Finneseth, KHC executive director. “Consumer demand for locally-grown products is high in both urban and rural areas. Our flower farms are growing a range of exceptional quality products to meet that demand.”
To help customers find Kentucky operations, the Kentucky Horticulture Council and UK horticulture agents have partnered with UK’s Center for Crop Diversification to produce an interactive, online map at https://uk-horticulture.github.io/KY-Cut-Flowers/. New farms are being added frequently and there may be a flower farm close to you.
“In the three short years July has been recognized as Kentucky Cut Flower Month, we have seen incredible growth and support for locally grown flowers,” said Alexis Sheffield, Boyle County horticulture extension agent. “Growing cuts has been a great way to introduce new, young people to farming and we have seen established farms begin to diversify their operations for both increased profits and ecosystem benefits. There are a growing number of florists who have started purchasing local blooms and cooperatives formed to support both the farmers and the florists. I am eager to see what another three years will do for this growing industry!”
To follow the cut flower month promotional activities, visit Facebook (@KYHortCouncil), Instagram (@KYHorticulture) or Twitter (@KYHorticulture).
For more information about the July activities, please contact: Dakota Moore (dakota@kyhortcouncil.org) or Bethany Cox (bethany@kyhortcouncil.org).