The Best Flower Varieties For A Small-Scale Cut Flower Farm
Post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Bunny Barn Bouquets isn’t just a flower business; it’s a labor of love rooted in gardening and creativity. Started by our two awesome girls, Taylor and Makayla, what began as a small project of growing their own cut flowers to sell at the local farmer’s market quickly turned into a passion for cut flowers. The sisters fell head over heels for how flowers can brighten people’s days—and they’ve been growing their business as flower farmers ever since. We are going to share their favorite flower varieties for your small-scale flower farm.
The Journey Begins: From Farmer’s Market to New Ventures
Taylor and Makayla kicked things off by selling their beautiful bouquets at the farmer’s market, where they learned a lot about what customers love and what flower varieties work best. After they got the hang of things, they got the chance to sell at a local spot, Flourish and Folk. It was a huge opportunity, but when the business closed, they were faced with a tough decision. Now, they’re on the lookout for the perfect place to sell their gorgeous bouquets this season.
Top Successful Flower Varieties for Bouquets
Creating the perfect bouquet means choosing the best flowers, and over time, we’ve figured out which flower varieties really shine in our garden and captivate our customers. Here are some of the favorite cut flowers that are perfect for new growers and seasoned flower farmers:
Zinnias
Zinnias are the unsung heroes of the cut flower world, and if you’re running a small-scale flower farm, they’re about to become your new best friend. These bold, colorful blooms come in an array of shapes, sizes, and shades—from soft pastels to vibrant, fiery hues that practically scream summer, fitting with pretty much any color palette. The best thing about zinnias is that they are cut-and-come-again flowers, making them a great addition to all flower gardens. Their ability to bloom continuously from late spring until the first frost makes them the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, they are the easiest cut flowers to grow. They’re tough as nails, thriving in hot weather and standing up to a variety of growing conditions, which means they’re perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike.
What makes zinnias a cut flower farmer’s dream is their incredible productivity, giving you a long season of blooms. They are a true garden workhorse. Even though they are annual flowers that you have to replant each year, with just a few square feet of space, you can grow enough zinnias to fill vase after vase (and maybe even sell a few bunches at the farmers’ market). They’re also low-maintenance—you can start them from seed without much fuss, and once they’re established, they don’t need constant babying. Best of all, zinnias love being cut. Snipping their long stems encourages even more gorgeous blooms, so the more you harvest, the more they grow. Whether you’re creating bright market bouquets, whimsical DIY wedding arrangements, or just adding a pop of color to your kitchen table, zinnias deliver charm, vibrancy, and that perfect “picked fresh from the garden” vibe.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the rockstars of the cut flower world—bold, beautiful, and guaranteed to steal the show! With their big, cheerful faces and sturdy stems, they’re a favorite for bouquets and arrangements that need a little sunshine. Sunflowers come in way more varieties than you might think, from classic golden blooms to striking reds, bronzes, and even soft creams. Plus, they range in size from towering giants to sweet, compact varieties perfect for tabletop displays. They’re total crowd-pleasers and always seem to draw people in, whether it’s at a farmers’ market or in a simple vase on someone’s kitchen counter.
For a small-scale cut flower farm, sunflowers are a dream to grow. They’re super easygoing—just plant them in a sunny spot, give them a little water, and they’ll reward you with blooms galore. Most varieties grow fast, which means with succession planting, you can get multiple harvests in a single season and keep the blooms coming through late summer. Bonus: They’re incredibly productive, with many branching types offering multiple flowers per plant. Harvest them when the petals are just starting to unfurl, and you’ll get a long vase life to wow your customers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add some reliable, high-impact blooms to your lineup, sunflowers are a no-brainer for any small scale flower farm!
Basil
Basil might be the MVP you didn’t know your cut flower farm needed. Sure, it’s famous for making pesto, but basil also moonlights as a gorgeous filler flower for cutting garden. With its lush green leaves and delicate flowers, basil adds a fresh, fragrant vibe to any arrangement. Plus, it comes in so many varieties—classic Genovese, dark and moody Purple Ruffles, or the tiny, charming blooms of Lemon Basil. Its versatility means you can go subtle or bold, depending on the look you’re going for. And that heavenly scent? It’s like a secret weapon that makes your bouquet of flowers stand out.
For small-scale flower farms, basil is a filler superstar because it’s easy to grow, fast to mature, and incredibly productive. You can start cutting it early in the season and keep harvesting right through summer. It thrives in full sun and can grow in a small space, so you can tuck it in between your other crops. Plus, basil loves being snipped—it actually encourages more growth in these amazing filler plants! Harvest it when the stems are sturdy and the flowers are just popping, and you’ll get long-lasting greenery that’s perfect for bouquets. Bonus: If you don’t sell it all, you can always use the extras in the kitchen. Win-win!
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas might not be the first flower you think of for a small-scale cut flower farm, but trust me, they’re worth a second look. These lush, show-stopping blooms are the epitome of elegance, instantly elevating any arrangement with their soft, cloud-like clusters and strong stems. What makes hydrangeas a fantastic addition to your farm is their versatility—whether you’re going for classic white, romantic pastels, or bold blues and purples, there’s a variety to suit any style or season. And let’s not forget their ability to dry beautifully, giving you an extra product to offer long after the growing season is over.
While hydrangeas may take a bit more effort upfront compared to annuals, they more than pay you back in the long run. As perennials, they come back year after year, growing bigger and producing even more blooms over time. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser at markets—perfect for high-end bouquets, special events, or even as single-stem focal pieces. Yes, they like a bit of shade and some TLC with watering, but once they’re happy, they’re a low-maintenance, high-reward plant that deserves a spot on your farm. If you want something that adds timeless beauty and a touch of luxury to your flower lineup, hydrangeas are a no-brainer!
Dahlias
Dahlias are the divas of the cut flower world, and yes, they can be a little extra—but they’re absolutely worth every ounce of effort. These beautiful flowers come in an endless array of shapes, sizes, and colors, from dainty pom-poms to dinner-plate giants that stop people in their tracks. Their sheer variety of shapes and different colors means you can find a dahlia for every bouquet and every vibe, whether you’re going for romantic pastels, bold statement colors, or intricate petal patterns that look like nature’s finest art. They’re the kind of flower that turns a good bouquet into a “Wow, where did you get that?” moment.
Sure, dahlias take some work. You have to plant the tubers after the frost, stake them as they grow, and dig them up for storage in colder climates. But here’s the thing—they more than pay you back with their productivity and beauty. Once they start blooming, they’ll keep going until the first frost, producing dozens of stems per plant. They’re also the perfect focal flower, commanding attention in wedding arrangements, market bouquets, or even as a single stem in a vase. Plus, they’re a huge hit with customers who love their unique, high-end look. If you’re willing to give dahlias a little extra love, they’ll reward you with some of the most breathtaking blooms your farm will ever grow.
Understanding Seeds vs. Tubers for Dahlias
When it comes to growing dahlias, it’s good to know the difference between seeds and tubers. Tubers are the safe bet if you want consistency—you plant them, and you’re pretty much guaranteed the same color and bloom type every year.
Seeds, on the other hand, are a bit more of a wild card. Each seed has the potential to grow into a totally unique flower, thanks to the genetics and mix of dahlias around it. This means you might get some really cool, unexpected blooms, but it also means you might not end up with exactly the flower you had in mind. The more seed packets, the bigger the variety.
For those aiming to boost their cut flower production, it’s a good idea to use both. Tubers might cost a little more, but seeds offer a ton of variety and the chance to get creative with your bouquets!
The Importance of Packaging for Your Flower Varieties
Packaging plays a vital role in the presentation of your bouquets, no matter what flower varieties you choose. Taylor and Makayla discovered that paying attention to the presentation of their bouquets goes a long way. To enhance their branding, they created custom sticker tags that wrap around the jars, adding a personal touch. This thoughtful packaging has helped them stand out in the market, making their bouquets memorable and visually appealing.
When it comes to showing off your cut flower bouquets, the container can be just as fun and creative as the flowers themselves—and it doesn’t have to break the bank! Mason jars are a classic go-to for a rustic, farmhouse vibe, and chances are, you already have a few stashed in your kitchen. But don’t stop there! Old coffee cups or teapots make adorable, quirky containers that add a little personality to your arrangements. Think chipped vintage mugs, charming creamers, or even that one random cup with a funny saying on it—it all works and gives your bouquets a unique story to tell.
Thrift stores and yard sales are absolute goldmines for affordable containers. You’ll find everything from glass vases to tin cans, milk bottles, or decorative bowls, often for pennies. Even unconventional items like old baskets, metal buckets, or wooden boxes can be lined and transformed into flower-friendly masterpieces. The key is to let your imagination run wild! Not only do these upcycled finds give your bouquets a one-of-a-kind look highlighting your flower varieties, but they’re also eco-friendly and budget-conscious—a win-win. Plus, your customers will love the extra thought and charm that goes into every arrangement.
Organizing Seed Trays for Success With Your Flower Varieties
Getting your seed trays organized is a total game-changer for a smooth planting season. Instead of sticking labels in each tray (which, let’s be honest, always seem to fall out), we make a simple template on paper and label each cell with the names of your flower varieties. It’s way easier to keep track of everything that way! We also stick a matching label on each tray and the template, so there’s no confusion about which goes with which.
Here are a few quick tips for planting:
- Choose the Right Soil: A good seed starter mix is key for getting those seeds to sprout. Check out our video on our DIY seed starting mix!
- Spacing: Plant two seeds per cell to give them the best chance of germinating. If both sprout, just thin them out later.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soaked—too much water can lead to rot.
By staying organized from the start, you’ll not only save time but also set your flowers up for success right out of the gate!
Germination Tips for Your Flower Varieties
To get their seeds off to a great start, Taylor and Makayla are always using humidity domes and heating pads. These tools create the perfect environment to speed up growth. The humidity dome keeps moisture in, which is key when seeds are first sprouting.
Adding a heating pad helps keep things warm and cozy, making sure the seeds get the right temperature for germination. Once the seeds start to pop up, though, it’s important to take the dome off to avoid too much moisture, which can cause problems like damping off.
Here’s a quick rundown of their germination tips:
- Watch the Temperature: Keep the heating pad at a steady temperature for consistent growth.
- Check Moisture: Make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy.
- Gradual Acclimatization: Once the seedlings are strong enough, start toughening them up by introducing them to the outdoors little by little.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a much better chance of growing strong, healthy flowers for your cut flower garden!
Future Plans: Fundraising and Photography Opportunities
Taylor and Makayla have some awesome plans for their flower farming business, and it’s not just about selling bouquets. A portion of their earnings will go toward supporting Makayla’s 4-H princess campaign, and they’re excited about using their flower sales to fundraise and get involved in community events.
Taylor’s also stoked about using the different flower varieties to expand her photography game. With all the bright colors and cool shapes, she can snap some stunning shots that’ll not only look great on social media but also help market their bouquets.
By blending their business goals with personal projects, they’re setting themselves up for some serious growth and creative opportunities. It’s all about working smart and having fun while doing it!
Excitement for New Flower Varieties: Calendula and Roses
This season is bringing in some exciting new flower varities, like calendulas and roses, and we are all about it! Calendulas, with their sunny orange and yellow blooms, are a total crowd-pleaser for gardeners. Varieties like Ice Princess and Sherbet are definitely going to add some cheerful vibes to any fresh bouquet.
Roses are also on the way for Taylor and Makayla, and they’re going big with climbing and rambling rose bushes in their front yard. Not only will these roses make their space look absolutely gorgeous, but they’ll also give them some stunning blooms to use in flower arrangements. The thought of adding these new varieties to the mix has them feeling extra inspired, and I’m sure the upcoming planting season is going to be their best yet!
Conclusion and Next Steps
As we wrap up our look at the best cut flower varieties—zinnias, sunflowers, basil, hydrangeas, and dahlias—it’s clear that each of these blooms brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for bold colors, long-lasting flowers, or the perfect finishing touch for your bouquets, these varieties are sure to impress at your local farmers markets. Taylor and Makayla are excited to keep experimenting and growing these beauties, and we can’t wait to see how they use them in their creations. What about you? What are your go-to flowers for cut arrangements? Leave a comment and let us know! Good luck and happy growing!
Shop This Post:
