Anemone Cut Flower Production in Utah

Anemone (Anemone coronaria) is grown as a cool-season annual for cut flower production in Utah. Tubers can be planted as early as November in a high tunnel for blooms beginning in March. For field production, plant in fall with insulation or as early as possible in spring (i.e., the soil is workable, approximately early March) for blooms beginning in May. Flower production ceases when temperatures reach approximately 80°F, usually by early July in northern Utah. In North Logan, UT, high tunnels produced an average of 2 to 7 marketable stems per plant, compared to 1 to 4 stems per plant when field grown. Anemone is popular with florists for use in spring arrangements. Its wholesale profit potential is moderately high compared to other Utah grown-cut flowers

Ranunculus Cut Flower Production in Utah

Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) is grown as a cool-season annual for cut flower production in Utah. Tuberous roots can be planted as early as November in a high tunnel for blooms beginning in April. For field production, plant in November with insulation or as early as possible in spring for blooms beginning in May. Flower production ceases when temperatures reach approximately 80°F, usually by early July in northern Utah. In North Logan, UT, high tunnels produced an average of 3 to 7 marketable stems per plant, compared to 1 to 2 stems per plant in the field. Profit potential is high when grown in a high tunnel and sold wholesale compared to other Utah-grown cut flowers

Utah Florist Preferences for Local Cut Flowers

This fact sheet provides crucial information on wholesale florist needs and preferences for local cut flowers. The information here will enhance the ability of current and potential cut flower growers to properly assess the profit potential of their decisions and assist with the long-term sustainability of their farming operations

Irrigation Management in High Tunnels

High tunnels provide season extension for various high-value horticulture crops in a diverse range of climates. These large, plastic-covered structures modify the environmental conditions of the covered area. Temperature management is commonly the focus when growing in high tunnels as this may be the key factor limiting plant growth during much of the year. While high tunnel temperature management is important, growers also need to address water management to ensure plants are not water-stressed. Common mistakes are underestimating water needs, which stresses plants or creates conditions favoring plant diseases and nutrient leaching from overwatering. Knowing when to irrigate and how much water to apply will ensure the high tunnel is properly managed for high productivity. This fact sheet discusses how to best manage irrigation for a range of seasonal growing conditions

Anemone Cut Flower Production Budget, One High Tunnel, Northern Utah, 2022

This budget contains costs (preplant and site preparation, establishment and maintenance, and harvest and processing) and returns for the production and sale of anemone cut flowers that were grown in a high tunnel (14 feet by 40 feet). Production methods, yield, costs, and pricing were determined from Utah State University (USU) research trials, as well as feedback from Northern Utah producers. The costs and returns represent typical production in Northern Utah but should be adjusted where necessary for individual situations. Site selection, tunnel use, variety, harvest timing, pest management, and other practices will impact costs and returns to a cut-flower operation

Ranunculus Cut Flower Production Budget, One Field, Northern Utah, 2022

This budget contains costs (preplant and site preparation, establishment and maintenance, and harvest and processing) and returns for the production and sale of ranunculus cut flowers that were grown in a field (14 feet by 40 feet). Production methods, yield, costs, and pricing were determined from Utah State University (USU) research trials, as well as feedback from Northern Utah producers. Typical production in Northern Utah is highly variable, with net returns influenced by labor costs, management practices, yield, stem length, and marketing success. Based on USU research trials, ranunculus results in an economic loss of $0.95 per square foot when grown as a field cut flower crop in Northern Utah and sold at wholesale pricing. Wasatch Front trials indicate greater yields are possible and potentially profitable, but growers should evaluate the risk and return potential for their unique situation

Utah Visual Farm Guide: Year-round Soil Care

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates soil management practices for each season

Dahlia Mosaic Virus on Dahlia

Dahlias are economically important crops in the cut flower industry, which is growing rapidly in US Mountain West. Dahlia stems can be sold at $4 to$5 each on wholesale markets, as locally produced dahlias are particularly sought after by florists due to their higher quality and longer vase life than imports. There are many different varieties of dahlias, and they can all be impacted by Dahlia Mosaic Virus (DMV), a widespread viral disease. DMV is causing significant losses in quality and yield of dahlias. This fact sheet details the symptoms, disease cycle, and management

Utah Visual Farm Guide: What is Healthy Soil?

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates the components of soil and the difference between healthy and unhealthy soils in Utah

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contamination in Urban Soils: Testing and Management

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large class of chemicals and common environmental pollutants. Understanding which PAHs and soil test levels may impact human health is an important aspect of gardening and micro-farming, particularly in urban environments that are at increased risk of soil contamination. Land use histories, such as sites associated with vehicle and industrial emissions, burning, and dumping, can elevate concentrations of PAHs in soils. This fact sheet provides instructions on assessing your site for PAHs that may present health risks to humans, testing the soil, and first steps for interpretation and management