The Good, the Bad, and the Bleurgh: Realities from the 2025-26 NZ Flower Farming Season S3E3

In this episode, Jo Robinson shares insights from flower farmers across New Zealand, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and practical lessons for future planning. Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, these real-world experiences offer valuable takeaways to refine your strategies and boost resilience.It was a season of "strange weather," featuring early heatwaves, torrential rain, and unexpected hail.Our thanks to Egmont Seeds for providing some of the images used in this episode.In this episode:• Key factors influencing season outcomes • Common challenges like weather extremes, pests, and crop failures• Successful crop choices and sales channels• Practical tips on crop management, pest control, and planting schedules• Planning for next season based on this year’s lessons• The importance of resilience and adaptabilityTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and season overview for flower growers01:03 - Astrid’s experience at Gulf Harbour01:33 - Vicky’s weather extremes in Northland 02:13 - Ellie’s slow start using fertiliser teas for flower production02:51 - Melanie’s rainy season challenges and landscape-growing approach03:31 - Daisy’s first year in cut flowers and learning curves04:00 - Penelope’s season as an experienced grower 04:29 - Sophia’s organic practices and rapid early season growth in Canterbury04:57 - Insights from Jo in Central Otago on spring flowers05:36 - Emma’s diverse event work and the impact of weather 05:59 - Bronwyn’s resilience and recovery from hail damage 06:16 - Key activities and crops that thrived this season07:14 - Successes and struggles08:48 - Astrid’s experience with dahlias 10:10 - Penelope’s standouts11:00 - Ellie’s high-density dahlias and airflow strategies11:43 - Melanie’s marigolds and the early season flowering12:37 - Sophia’s trial and error with spring blooms and mildew issues14:07 - Jo’s success with tulips and ranunculus 16:29 - Challenges crops this year19:14 - The impact of weather on crop quality20:15 - Emma’s rain and temperature challenges with peonies and dahlia22:19 - Wet winter and spring effects on planting and flowering timelines23:54 - Adapting to unpredictable weather and wind damage25:14 - Sale channels: Facebook Groups, wholesale and local markets29:58 - How growers plan changes for next season34:39 - Final thoughts: grow what does well where you are, and plan aheadKey Highlights & Takeaways:• Sales Strategy: Why a $30/$50 price choice model worked • Smart Solutions: Using diatomaceous earth for thrip control on Dahlias • Grow What Works: focus on what thrives in your specific microclimate.• Get the Transcript: Want to read the full breakdown? Leave a comment on this post/video, and we’ll send you the full transcript!• Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed these insights, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a Review!Follow Flower Farming in NZ on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/flower_farming_in_nz/Already a flower farmer in NZ? Join the private Facebook group Flower Farming in NZhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/3293079974103061#FlowerFarminginNZ #NZFlowerFarmers #NZCutFlowerGrowers #CutFlowers #LocalFlowers #FlowerFarmingPodcast #FlowerFarminginNZPodcast #SustainableGrowing #nzflowergrowers #nzflorists #sustainablefloristry #sustainableflowerfarmingConnect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/Support Our Work!Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnzMusic Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele