Your Complete Guide to Quality Floral Products
Crafted by seasoned flower farmers for fellow farmers, growers, and gardeners, this invaluable reference covers 230 cut floral crops.
The dedicated flower farmers of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market (SWGM) bring together over two hundred years of combined experience in the art of cut flower cultivation. Their extensive knowledge is wonderfully captured in their first publication, FLORAL STANDARDS, which outlines essential practices and specifications for 230 popular floral crops. This guide is not only valuable for seasoned growers but also serves as a helpful resource for those just starting out in the field.
Establishing a National Presence
Since its launch in 2011, SWGM has built a strong reputation for its wide selection of fresh, seasonal, and high-quality floral products. The market caters to florists, shops, studios, and anyone looking for locally sourced and domestically produced botanical ingredients. Currently, it represents 18 flower farms in Washington and the surrounding areas while also distributing products from additional growers along the West Coast, broadening its impact on the floral community.
Best Practices for Floral Quality
FLORAL STANDARDS offers invaluable guidance, taking flower farmers through every step from selection and harvest to post-harvest practices. It includes vital criteria such as stem length and the number of stems per bunch, crucial for ensuring the vitality of the products and maximizing their vase life. This thorough guidance is aimed at those who want to present optimal floral arrangements, whether they are event planners, retailers, or everyday gardening enthusiasts.
The Development of FLORAL STANDARDS
Creating FLORAL STANDARDS was not a quick endeavor. It involved a committed effort, sparked by the aim to produce detailed specification sheets for a wide range of floral products cultivated and sold by SWGM. Under the leadership of board member and founder Diane Szukovathy, devoted member growers contributed countless volunteer hours to share their effective methods for selection, care, harvest, and post-harvest handling. This extensive research identified the ideal vase life for many varieties, alongside recommended cultivars that are perfect for commercial cultivation.
Key Features of the Publication
This thorough 336-page book is filled with visual content, showcasing over 425 images that illustrate the correct bud sizes and attributes critical for successful harvesting. It provides specification charts for key floral crops including various bulbs, vines, chrysanthemums, ferns, peonies, roses, and more. The publication also addresses practices for cultivating woody trees and fruiting branches, making it a well-rounded resource for growers.
A Valuable Resource for Flower Lovers
As Aaron Gaskey, SWGM board chair, states, "FLORAL STANDARDS is an essential reference for both experienced and aspiring flower farmers, as well as for passionate flower enthusiasts and gardeners. It contains priceless knowledge and proven techniques that will help growers achieve success in their floral ventures." Although the book’s content is based on growing conditions in the Pacific Northwest, its insights are relevant and beneficial for flower farmers and enthusiasts across different climates globally.
Book Specifications:
FLORAL STANDARDS: A Practical Guide for Harvesting and Delivering Professional Quality Products
ISBN: 978-8-9905123-0-6
Price: $79.95
Soft cover, 8-1/2? x 11?
336 pages
425+ full-color photographs throughout
Order Your Copy Today
If you’re looking to expand your floral knowledge or improve your practices, you can place orders directly through the official SWGM website.
For wholesale inquiries, reach out to Brad Siebe, the General Manager of SWGM.
Media Contact:
Brad Siebe
206-838-1523
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does FLORAL STANDARDS cover?
FLORAL STANDARDS is a detailed guide that outlines best practices for harvesting and delivering high-quality floral products.
2. Who is this book for?
This guide is aimed at flower farmers, growers, gardeners, and anyone with an interest in floriculture.
3. How many floral crops does FLORAL STANDARDS include?
The publication covers specifications for 230 different cut floral crops, making it a helpful resource.
4. Is this guide suitable for new growers?
Definitely! FLORAL STANDARDS is crafted to assist both seasoned farmers and newcomers in the floral industry.
5. Where can I buy FLORAL STANDARDS?
You can acquire FLORAL STANDARDS directly from the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market website.
