====== 🌸 Cut Flower Farm Plan – Torres Family Farm ====== ===== 🎯 Purpose ===== * Primary **early income stream** * Drives traffic to farm stand * Supports U-pick experience * Complements orchard and seasonal events ---- ====== 🧠 Flower Strategy ====== ===== Role on the Farm ===== * FAST returns (weeks, not years) * High-margin product * Repeat customer driver * Visual appeal (important for branding) ---- ===== Core Philosophy ===== * Keep it simple * Grow what sells * Plant in succession * Maintain clean, organized layout ---- ====== 🌱 Starter Crop Plan (Year 1) ====== ===== 🌻 Summer Core (Main Income) ===== * Sunflowers (primary driver) * Zinnias (workhorse) * Cosmos (filler) * Basil / Mint (fragrance + filler) ---- ===== 🌼 Fall Core ===== * Mums (major seller) * Late sunflowers ---- ===== 🌸 Spring (Expand Later) ===== * Peonies (already established) * Add more perennials over time ---- ====== πŸ“ Bed Layout System ====== ===== Bed Design ===== * Width: 30–36 inches * Paths: 18–24 inches * Length: As long as space allows ---- ===== Layout Style ===== * Straight rows * Clean walkways * Organized blocks πŸ‘‰ Must look good for U-pick + sales ---- ====== πŸ’§ Irrigation Plan ====== * Drip lines per bed * Hidden under mulch * Automated watering system ---- ===== Goal: ===== * Consistent moisture * Low daily labor * Still allow manual inspection ---- ====== 🌻 Planting Strategy (CRITICAL) ====== ===== Succession Planting ===== πŸ‘‰ Do NOT plant everything at once ---- ===== Example (Sunflowers): ===== * Week 1: Plant * Week 2: Plant * Week 3: Plant ---- ===== Result: ===== * Continuous blooms * Continuous income ---- ====== βœ‚οΈ Harvest System ====== ===== Daily Routine ===== * Harvest early morning or evening * Place immediately in water * Remove lower leaves ---- ===== Storage ===== * Keep in shade or cool space * Sell same day or next ---- ====== πŸ›οΈ Sales Model ====== ===== Primary: Farm Stand ===== * Buckets of fresh flowers * Pre-made bouquets * Grab-and-go setup ---- ===== Secondary: U-Pick ===== * Charge per cup/bucket * Customers cut their own ---- ===== Marketing ===== * Facebook posts (weekly updates) * β€œWhat’s blooming now” posts * Tie into existing audience (Torres Family Lights) ---- ====== πŸ’ Product Types ====== ===== Standard Bouquets ===== * Small: $8–12 * Medium: $12–18 * Large: $20+ ---- ===== Premium Bouquets ===== * Mixed flowers + fillers * Higher margin ---- ====== 🌼 Mums Production Plan (Fall Income) ====== ===== Starting Method ===== πŸ‘‰ Buy plugs (DO NOT start from seed) ---- ===== Pot Setup ===== * 1–3 gallon pots * Quality potting mix ---- ===== Layout ===== * Rows of pots * Drip line per row ---- ===== Timeline ===== * Early summer: Buy plugs * Summer: Grow + shape * Fall: Sell (Sept–Oct) ---- ===== Why Mums Matter ===== * High fall demand * Pairs with pumpkins + apples * Easy to sell ---- ====== ⚠️ Key Challenges ====== ===== Overplanting ===== * Start small * Scale based on sales ---- ===== Poor Timing ===== * No succession planting = gaps in sales ---- ===== Water Stress ===== * Flowers require consistent watering ---- ===== Presentation ===== * Messy layout = lower sales ---- ====== 🧠 Key Rules ====== βœ”οΈ Keep beds clean and organized\\ βœ”οΈ Plant in succession\\ βœ”οΈ Harvest consistently\\ βœ”οΈ Focus on what sells\\ βœ”οΈ Don’t overcomplicate ---- ====== πŸ“Š Starter Scale (Year 1) ====== * 3–5 flower beds * 1 dedicated sunflower section * 20–40 mums in pots ---- ===== Goal: ===== * Learn system * Generate early income * Build customer base ---- ====== πŸ”₯ Long-Term Vision ====== * Walkable flower rows * U-pick flower field * Seasonal photo areas (sunflowers) * Integrated with farm events ---- ====== πŸ“ Notes Section ====== ===== Best selling flowers: ===== * ===== Planting timing notes: ===== * ===== Customer feedback: ===== * ===== Expansion ideas: ===== * ---- ====== πŸ‘ Bottom Line ====== πŸ‘‰ Flowers are your: * Fastest income stream * Best traffic driver * Foundation for U-pick and farm experience ---- END OF PAGE