In the world of agriculture, sustainability and profitability often go hand in hand. One innovative way to achieve both is through CowPots, biodegradable planting pots made from cow manure right here on our Connecticut dairy farm. A value added product that adds value to your plants. Let’s explore ten of the most profitable flowers to grow using CowPots, offering insights into their cultivation and potential economic returns.
- Lavender: Known for its soothing aroma and versatility, lavender is a popular choice among growers. With its high demand in the cosmetic, culinary, and aromatherapy industries, cultivating lavender in CowPots can be a lucrative venture. Its resilience to drought and poor soil conditions makes it an ideal candidate for CowPots, which reduce transplant shock and create an ideal growing condition from seed to soil.
- Sunflowers: These iconic flowers not only brighten up fields but also offer multiple revenue streams. From cut flowers to edible seeds and oil extraction, sunflowers provide diverse opportunities for profit. Growing them in CowPots ensures healthy root development leading to higher yields.
- Peonies: prized for their exquisite blooms and long vase life, peonies are highly sought after in the floral market. By starting peony plants in CowPots, growers can enhance their root systems, resulting in stronger plants and earlier blooms. With proper care, peonies can provide a steady income stream for years to come.
- Roses: As a symbol of love and beauty, roses remain one of the most profitable flowers worldwide. Whether grown for cut flowers, essential oils, or ornamental purposes, roses command a premium price in the market. Using CowPots accelerates root growth and ensures better nutrient uptake, leading to healthier rose bushes and increased yields. The #11 Square Tall CowPot was designed specifically for cultivating roses and accommodating their deep roots.
- Dahlias: With their vibrant colors and intricate blooms, dahlias are a favorite among florists and gardeners alike. By starting dahlia tubers in CowPots, growers can promote vigorous root development, resulting in larger, more prolific plants. With proper care and management, dahlias can generate significant income, especially during the peak blooming season. We have heard from dahlia growers, both hobbyists and avid professionals, the #6 Square CowPot is the best match for starting these tubers early in the Spring.
- Zinnias: Easy to grow and available in a wide range of colors, zinnias are a staple in many flower gardens. Their long-lasting blooms make them popular for cut flower arrangements and landscaping projects. By using CowPots to start zinnia seeds, growers can ensure healthier plants with improved resistance to pests and diseases, thus maximizing profits. In our own farm market and greenhouse, we get zinnias started in the #3 six cell CowPots to maximize the number of plants we can fit in our busy and full greenhouse space. Once it’s time to transplant, the plant and pot separate easily and can be placed directly into the ground without any root disturbance.
- Tulips: With their elegant, cup-shaped flowers, tulips are synonymous with springtime beauty. By planting tulip bulbs in CowPots, growers can facilitate better root development and prevent transplant shock, leading to stronger, more resilient plants. Tulips can be a profitable crop, especially when marketed as cut flowers or potted plants for special occasions. We have forced early blooms by placing tulips in our #5 Round CowPots.
- Lilies: Renowned for their awesome fragrance and appearance, lilies are highly valued in the floral industry. By starting lily bulbs in CowPots, growers can promote healthier root systems and improve overall plant vigor. With proper care and attention to post-harvest handling, lilies can fetch premium prices in both wholesale and retail markets. The #7 Square CowPots provide plenty of space for the rhizomes and adequate soil to nourish the growing plant for months.
- Snapdragons: With their unique, snap-like flowers and long vase life, snapdragons are a favorite choice for bouquets and floral arrangements. By using CowPots to start snapdragon seedlings, growers can ensure strong root development and robust plant growth. Snapdragons thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an ideal crop for spring and fall production. This is a popular one in our annual plant sale fundraiser for our local PTO. We prefer using the #3 Round CowPots to get snapdragons started before transplanting to the garden.
- Cosmos: Known for their delicate, daisy-like flowers and airy foliage, cosmos add a whimsical touch to any garden or bouquet. By starting cosmos seeds in CowPots, growers can promote quicker germination and healthier seedling development. With their abundant blooms and low maintenance requirements, cosmos offer a profitable option for flower farmers and hobbyists alike.
Cultivating high-value flowers with CowPots offers a winning combination of environmental sustainability and economic profitability. By harnessing the benefits of CowPots, growers can enhance the growth and productivity of their flower crops while reducing their ecological footprint. Whether you’re a commercial flower farmer or a backyard gardener, consider incorporating CowPots into your cultivation practices to unlock the full potential of your flower business.