The growth of the cut flower industry in Kentucky and the US has skyrocketed over the past 10 years. Simply looking at the 2022 USDA Census shows the number of Kentucky cut flower operations more than doubling since 2017 and the value of Kentucky grower sales going from 'unreportable' (very low) to over 2 million dollars in 2022. Growers are accessing diverse markets including direct markets, wholesale, auction sales, weddings and events, floristry and year-round greenhouse production. With a reported 80% of cut flowers available in the U.S. being imported, there is room in the market for locally grown blooms.
Cut flowers and cut stems are well-suited to small-scale production and are a good way to diversify or expand an existing farm operation. They can be grown in open fields or in protected environments such as high tunnels or environmentally controlled greenhouses. Non-flowering cut stems, such as seed heads, stalks and woody cuts, may also be grown for floral or decorative purposes. Specialty cut flowers can be sold fresh or dried, by the stem, in bunches, or in mixed bouquets or value-added products.