Although the demand for freshly cut flowers has risen in the last few years, very few local producers have acquired the specialized skills needed to grow flowers for commercial sale.

Recognizing a new opportunity to expand locally grown agricultural products in our area, the Laurel County Horticulture agent collaborated with agents from Clay, Jackson, Rockcastle, Whitley, Rockcastle, Bell, and Leslie Counties, to organize a series of workshops geared toward commercial cut flower production.

The initial class, held in January 2024, was geared toward gauging local interest in the program and determining specific areas the producers would like to explore. Thirty-six producers attended the initial meeting. They requested workshops that would teach the basics of cut flower operations, including developing a business plan, variety selection, soil preparation, pest management, and marketing avenues for their crops.

The Horticulture agent conducted a second workshop on March 8, 2024, at the Laurel County Extension Office. Tara Watkins, University of Kentucky Cut Flower Specialist, presented the program. Watkins shared her extensive experience in the cut flower industry, discussing a variety of relevant topics, and then fielding questions from the participants.

The next session, scheduled for March 13, will feature UK Entomology specialist, Jonathan Larson. Larson will be discussing integrated pest management for commercial flower production, including organic options.

Other sessions are in the planning process and will include presentations by specialists about soil preparation, variety selection, business plans, and marketing.

Two of the participants in the cut flower program are female college students that plan to start their own cut flower operation. Both ladies are from agricultural families that grow traditional crops but are excited about branching out as entrepreneurs with their own line of products. One said, “Cut flowers are really popular at farmers markets, farm to table stores, and for special events, but they are sometimes hard to find.  We plan to fill in that gap.”