Bedding Plants
Bedding Plants
Hundreds of different annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetable transplants can be grown and sold as bedding plants. In general, the term 'bedding plant' refers to any plant that is produced and sold for planting in the landscape, garden or large containers (such as patio pots).
A single commercial greenhouse business may produce as many as 500 different kinds of plants in the spring. Some of the most common ornamental bedding plants include annuals such as begonia, geranium, impatiens, marigold, pansy, and petunia. Tomatoes, peppers, and cole crops are popular vegetable transplants. Perennials such as hosta may be marketed as 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.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
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.