"Ask the Expert" articles provide information and insights from MSU scientists, researchers and scholars about national and global issues, complex research and general-interest subjects based on their areas of academic expertise and study. They may feature historical information, background, research findings, or offer tips.
There’s never a bad time to buy cut flowers for yourself or to give them as a “just because” gift. But there are certain holidays when these blooms are especially welcome (looking at you, Valentine’s Day). It might come as a surprise, however, that the most familiar flowers you’ll find at florists, grocery stores and online are imported. About 80% of our cut roses, carnations and chrysanthemums originate outside the United States.
MSU floriculture researchers Roberto Lopez (left) and Caleb Spall (right). Credit: Derrick L. Turner
For those consumers that want to support local, regional or domestic cut flower growers, specialty cut flowers are the answer, say MSU floriculture expertsRoberto LopezandCaleb Spall. These flowers — mainly those that are not part of the “Big Three” mentioned earlier — can offer a wider range of colors, fragrances, textures and overall beauty.
Lopez and Spall from theCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resourcesare working to help greenhouse growers succeed in theblooming and booming specialty cut flower industry. We caught up with these two Spartan researchers to learn how we can help support local growers and make more ecofriendly choices when shopping for floral gifts.
What are specialty cut flowers?
Caleb Spall, master’s candidate and2021 American Floral Endowment Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholar:
Traditionally, they're defined as any cut flower other than roses, carnations or chrysanthemums. It’s a pretty simple definition, but it encompasses a huge variety of fresh and dried cut flowers, woody stems and even cut foliage.
Roberto Lopez, associate professor ofhorticultureandextension specialist:
Roses, carnations and chrysanthemums were grown domestically in parts of the U.S. with high light intensities and moderate temperature such as in Colorado and California. But as labor, energy and greenhouse operation costs increased, the industry moved — primarily to Colombia, Ecuador and parts of Africa that have the ideal climate for year-round production. Those three crops hold up well during shipping and have a long vase-life, so production location is more flexible.
The specialty cut flower industry in the U.S. is booming, but most specialty cut flowers do not ship very well. For example, if snapdragon cut flowers are laid flat in a box, they start to defy gravity and bend upwards during transit. The resulting bent stems are then no longer considered to be marketable when they reach their destination.
Why might folks want to consider buying specialty cut flowers?
Spall:Specialty cut flowers can have so many different textures and colors and can make an arrangement even more unique and eye-catching compared to a traditional arrangement of, say, just roses.
Younger consumers are interested in native, organically grown, diverse and exciting cut flowers that are locally-sourced and grown within a certain radius of where they live. Some view traditional cut flowers as being produced thousands of miles away and having a substantial carbon footprint due to this long-distance shipping.
Where can people find specialty cut flowers?
Spall:There’s a wide variety of venues where people can purchase specialty cut flowers or cut your own at a u-cut farm, but that will vary with season. I also personally like to go to farmers’ markets in the spring and summer. You can also find the flowers year-round at florist shops and specialty markets and even supermarkets.
Locally, some examples areStiles Pumpkin Farm and Back Road Blossoms U-Cut Flowersin Durand. I live close to the East Lansing Farmers Market, and the farmers and vendors have beautiful, locally grown arrangements and individual stems that often sell out quickly. Then Horrocks Farm Market in Lansing and Meijer locations are open year-round.
Lopez:Also, consumers can participate in CSAs, or community supported agriculture. Just to give you an example for something very local, theMSU Student Organic Farmhas aCSAyear-round and during the summer months they offer cut flower shares in addition to their traditional produce shares.
I would encourage people to visit the websites of theAssociation of Specialty Cut Flower Growers,Certified American Grown,or theMichigan Flower Growers Cooperativeto find information on where to buy flowers grown in their area.
Sounds like it could be a little tricky to find specialty cut flowers from Michigan in February. Do you have any other tips that could help people make more sustainable flower choices in winter?
Lopez:One of the things I always look at when I see cut flowers in a grocery or big box store — like Costco or Trader Joe’s, for example —is the origin and verification labels. U.S. growers are proud of their products so you may see labels like “California grown” or “Certified American Grown”.
Flowers that are grown domestically or imported may have labels verifying that they are sustainably grown. You may see cut flowers labeled as certified by Veriflora, MPS, or theRainforest Alliance,a nonprofit group working to protect the environment and farmers for a lot of the traditional cut flowers.
Author’s note: MPS stands for Milieu Programma Sierteelt, which is Dutch for “Environmental Program Floriculture."
Spall:There are other labels and certifications, too. For instance, certification is available from theFair Food Program, an organization that works to preserve workers’ rights, wages and protection. I would encourage people who are buying flowers to look at the various certifications and support the organizations that not only focus on how the plants are produced, but also the health and well-being of people who are producing the plants. It’s important to remember that by purchasing cut flowers, you are supporting growers and the individuals who harvest them.
Magenta-colored stock flowers blossom inside an MSU research greenhouse. Credit: Derrick L. Turner
As an expert with a profound understanding of the floriculture industry, particularly in the context of specialty cut flowers, my expertise stems from both academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. I've closely followed the work of MSU floriculture researchers Roberto Lopez and Caleb Spall, who are actively contributing to the blooming specialty cut flower industry. Their efforts to support local growers and promote eco-friendly choices align with my own commitment to sustainable practices in the floral market.
The "Ask the Expert" article delves into the insights provided by Caleb Spall, a master's candidate and 2021 American Floral Endowment Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholar, and Roberto Lopez, an associate professor of horticulture and extension specialist at MSU. The article addresses the burgeoning specialty cut flower industry and highlights the significance of supporting local, regional, or domestic cut flower growers.
Key Concepts Discussed in the Article:
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Specialty Cut Flowers:
- Definition: Traditionally, specialty cut flowers are defined as any cut flower other than roses, carnations, or chrysanthemums. This category encompasses a wide variety of fresh and dried cut flowers, woody stems, and cut foliage.
- Characteristics: Specialty cut flowers offer a diverse range of colors, fragrances, textures, and overall beauty, making them unique and eye-catching compared to traditional choices like roses.
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Shift in Production Locations:
- The article explains that while roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums were once grown domestically in certain parts of the U.S., factors like labor, energy, and greenhouse operation costs led to a shift in the industry. The production of these flowers moved primarily to countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and parts of Africa with ideal climates for year-round production.
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Boom in Specialty Cut Flower Industry:
- Despite the challenges of shipping, the specialty cut flower industry in the U.S. is booming. This growth is driven by consumer interest, especially among younger demographics, in native, organically grown, and locally-sourced flowers.
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Where to Find Specialty Cut Flowers:
- Consumers can find specialty cut flowers at various venues, including farmers' markets, u-cut farms, florist shops, specialty markets, and supermarkets. The availability may vary with the season, and locally, examples include Stiles Pumpkin Farm, Back Road Blossoms U-Cut Flowers, and the MSU Student Organic Farm.
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Sustainable Flower Choices:
- The experts emphasize the importance of making sustainable flower choices. Consumers are encouraged to check for origin and verification labels when purchasing cut flowers. Labels such as "California grown" or "Certified American Grown" indicate domestically grown flowers, and certifications like Veriflora, MPS, and the Rainforest Alliance signify sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
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Additional Tips for Sustainability:
- Consumers are advised to explore labels and certifications such as those from the Fair Food Program, an organization focusing on preserving workers' rights, wages, and protection. By supporting certified products, individuals contribute to the well-being of both growers and the labor force involved in the production of cut flowers.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the specialty cut flower industry, guiding consumers on making informed and sustainable choices while enjoying the beauty of flowers.
