Bedding Plants

Key Requirements

Land	Low
Labor	High
Capital	High

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

Wholesale
Auction

Pests & Disease

Greenhouse conditions that favor plant growth also favor the rapid build-up and spread of insects and diseases. Potential disease problems include damping-off, root rots, powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots and impatiens necrotic spot virus. Common insect pests include thrips, aphids, mites, fungus gnats, shore flies and whiteflies. Caterpillars can also be a problem in greenhouses with open sides.

Variable Cost per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Variable Returns per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

A heated greenhouse structure is necessary for producing most bedding plants.

One challenge is deciding to invest in equipment necessary to grow their own plants from seed or to purchase transplants from another producer.

Opportunities

Large containers can fetch a high price relative to the inputs needed to produce them, giving a better potential for profits.