Flower Farming in New Zealand

What happens when you trade a 1,600-square-metre backyard block in Stillwater, Auckland for a vast 7-hectare property in Northland?
You get a massive wake-up call from mother nature!
In this episode, Jo is joined by Vicky Tristram from Muddy Feet Flowers in Hikurangi to talk about the realities of flower farming through completely different microclimates. From battling extreme wind zones and torrential downpours to dealing with a hilarious ryegrass-in-the-bulb-bed disaster, Vicky shares her raw, honest, and incredibly positive perspective on navigating her first year on new land.
We also dive into a truly inspiring initiative: how Vicky is teaching English, floristry, and floriculture at Bay of Islands College, taking students on a full "seed-to-bloom" journey that funds its own closed-circuit school program. If you need a reminder of why local community matters or just want permission to "do it stupid" and learn by getting your hands dirty and your feet muddy, this episode is for you.
In This Episode We Cover:
• A Tale of Two Climates: Comparing the dry, sheltered valley conditions of Central Otago (400mm annual rainfall) with the high-humidity, high-wind, and flood-prone environment of Northland.
• The Great Ryegrass Debacle: Why mulching autumn bulbs with hay instead of straw led to the most luxurious crop of grass Vicky has ever grown—and how she's using silage tarps and organic layers to reclaim her beds.
• Growing the Workhorses: Why the humble Zinnia (especially Benary’s Giants and Queenie Peach) reigned supreme as Vicky’s ultimate first-season success story.
• Seed to Bloom in Schools: A look inside the floriculture trade course at Bay of Islands College, where students learn everything from chilling bulbs to marketing bouquets to the community.
• The "Do it Stupid" Philosophy: Why starting small, embracing trial and error, and asking "silly" questions is the ultimate path to business growth.

Connect with Vicky & Muddy Feet Flowers:
• Facebook Group: Cut Flowers Northland (A hub for seasonal, local growers supplying straight to the public)
Thank You to Our Partners for Season 4!
• Provenance Brokers –
https://www.instagram.com/provenancebrokers/ Connecting premium, trend-driven flower growers with buyers who care. Perfect your niche, work the dirt, and let Provenance handle the connections. Follow the link in our show notes to get in touch.
• King's Seeds – A proud, third-generation Kiwi-owned seed company supporting New Zealand flower farmers. From dependable favourites to exciting new varieties, wholesale or home plot planning, explore the range at Kingseeds.co.nz.

Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZFlower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
·        Advertising in an episode
·         Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can
·         Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠
 
Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: USHUJL0AE7VHXWL9

What actually happens to a seed before you buy it?
Today on Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson is joined by Charlotte, co-owner of King’s Seeds, to break down the highly regulated, high-tech world of commercial seed production.

Charlotte brings her Bachelor of Horticultural Science background to bust the biggest myths about seeds—from whether bigger seeds make stronger plants, to the real reason hybrid seeds aren't the "bad guys".
We also discuss New Zealand’s unique UV and climate shifts, changing global seed trends, and how global politics (like US tariffs) trickle down to your flower farm's crop plan.
Check out the timestamps below to jump to your favourite topics!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction & The History of King's Seeds
01:50 - The Global Journey: How seed crops are grown, rogued, and harvested
03:45 - High-Tech Seed Testing: Gravity tables and X-ray viability
04:45 - Navigating NZ Biosecurity: The "Know Before You Sow" campaign
09:59 - The Science of Germination: Mimicking nature
11:46 - King's Seeds NZ-Specific Growing Zones
12:38 - Seed Storage Secrets: Why temperature stability matters & how to reseal packets
15:05 - Tracking Floral Trends: From Chelsea Garden Show to movies
20:25 - Workhorses vs. Divas: Building a resilient business plan
23:49 - QUICK-FIRE MYTH BUSTING! (Seed size, germination rates, & saving hybrids)
27:22 - The Watering Wand Dilemma & Particle Size Matters
30:30 - What is Pelleted Seed? (Hint: It’s not a gimmick!)
32:30 - Why UV shifts change your flower colours in New Zealand
35:12 - First-Year Flower Farming Advice: What to plant first
36:20 - How global politics affect flower seed availability

CONNECT WITH US & OUR PARTNERS
Season 4 is proudly co-partnered by King’s Seeds NZ and Provenance Brokers NZ!

Explore Kings Seeds extensive flower range, wholesale options, and NZ-specific growing zones at ⁠kingseeds.co.nz⁠.

Want to build a sustainable crop flow for your flower business? Follow the link below to get expert support and connect with ⁠Provenance Brokers⁠.

Join the Conversation: What’s one seed myth you used to believe? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
· Advertising in an episode
· Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can
· Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠
Music Credit: Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: SQ0IHQ1XXWZ9CSTO

Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
#FlowerFarming
#KingsSeeds
#GardeningNZ
#SeedStarting
#Biosecurity
#CutFlowers
#FlowerFarmer
#NewZealandGardening

. . . . .

What if the biggest mistake flower farmers make isn't how they grow flowers, but how they sell them?
Too many growers spend months nurturing beautiful crops, only to find themselves scrambling for buyers when harvest arrives.
In this episode, Lissie from Provenance Brokers NZ shares a different approach: start with demand, build a plan, and grow with a market already waiting for your flowers.
Drawing on years of experience as both a florist and commercial flower buyer, Lissie offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what florists are really looking for, what products are currently missing from the market, and why some growers thrive while others struggle to make flower farming profitable
We discuss:
• Why growing more flowers isn't always the answer
• The flowers florists wish they could source more easily
• How pre-selling crops can reduce risk and improve profitability
• The importance of quality control, grading and presentation
• Why freight and logistics matter more than most growers realise
• How small-scale growers can compete without growing thousands of stems
• The reality of turning a flower-growing hobby into a viable business
• Why collaboration, not competition, is the future of the flower industry
One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that successful flower farming isn't about trying to grow everything.
It's about identifying the right crops, growing them exceptionally well, understanding your market, and building relationships that support long-term success.
Whether you're planning your first season, trying to increase profitability, or looking for a better way to connect with buyers, this episode is packed with practical insight and hard-earned industry knowledge.
Contact Provenance Brokers Here: Lissie@provenancebrokers.co.nz or
https://www.instagram.com/provenancebrokers/
Find Kings Seeds Here: https://www.kingsseeds.co.nz

Quote of the episode:
"Strategically plan what you're going to do, know how to do it really well, have the support around you to do it, and then a market to sell it to." -

Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: HPORAWHXKPRWH4A2

Healthy flowers begin with healthy soil—but what does that really mean?
In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, I sit down with Nicky from Crop to explore the fascinating world beneath our feet. We discuss how soil biology influences plant health, why understanding your soil test is so important, and how microbes, fungi, pH and organic matter all work together to produce stronger, healthier flowers.
Nicky also shares practical ways flower farmers can improve soil naturally, including the role of biochar, avoiding common phosphorus mistakes, and building resilient soils that support productive crops year after year.
Whether you're growing flowers commercially or simply want healthier plants in your garden, this episode will change the way you think about soil. It's all about healthy soil for flower farming.
Easy Ways to Support Our Work!
1) Subscribe
Subscribe to Flower Farming in New Zealand for practical conversations with growers, florists and industry experts from across New Zealand.
2) Share
If this episode helped you, please share it with another grower. Every recommendation helps strengthen New Zealand's flower farming community.
3) Donate
If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us continue sharing practical knowledge and connecting New Zealand's flower industry. The easiest way to donate is to Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠⁠
4) Comments and Likes
Comments and Likes really help the algorithm find us so that other flower farmers and growers can enjoy our content.

Resources discussed in this episode:Crop: Understanding Your Soil Test Workshop
Dr Elaine Inghams Soil Food Web School
Episode with Matt from Carbon Options on Biochar
Podcast episode of Six Inches of Soil
Six Inches of Soil Documentary
For the Love of Soil Book

Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
 
#healthy soil #soil biology #flower farming NZ #soil health #flower farmer podcast
#soil testing #biochar #mycorrhizal fungi #regenerative flower farming #healthy flowers#sustainable flower farming

How Rachel Inger Built a Thriving Small Flower Farm
Join us as we explore Rachel Inger’s journey in flower farming, highlighting her adaptable approach to growing flowers in Hamilton's climate, and the importance of community and planning in flower farming success.

Listen to Rachel’s perspective on the joy of flower farming—building relationships, being outdoors, and creating a lifestyle that balances work and family.
• Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
• ⁠Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers⁠
• Support Our Work!
• Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
• · Advertising in an episode
• · Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can
• · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link ⁠https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz⁠
Key Takeaways
• - Understand your unique growing conditions and adapt techniques accordingly.
• - Soil management is essential; consider your soil type and how it affects your crops.
• - Leverage local markets and social media to sell your flowers effectively.
• - Customize your approach based on experiences rather than just external advice.
Rachel Inger’s insights into flower farming provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the floral industry. By understanding your environment, managing your soil, and effectively reaching your market, you can thrive in this beautiful yet challenging field.

• Key words:
• #flowerfarminginNZ
• #nzflowergrowers
• #nzflorists
• #sustainablefloristry
• #sustainableflowerfarming
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Rachel and her flower farm
02:09 - Rachel’s farm size, layout, and soil conditions
02:22 - Why Rachel chooses mound beds over formal raised beds
03:30 - Pathways and weed management strategies
04:10 - Soil health, amendments, and the importance of soil testing
05:37 - Growing conditions in Hamilton versus Central Otago
06:40 - Planting schedule for tulips and hardy annuals
07:50 - Wind and frost protection methods
09:37 - Strategies for selling wholesale plus to florists and retail customers
10:46 - Seasonal crop choices for summer (zinnias, cosmos, amaranth)
12:03 - The popularity of certain flower colours and varieties
13:08 - Growing and selling tulips, including subscription models
14:37 - Post-harvest handling and frost protection for tulips
15:45 - How Rachel manages delivery logistics for wholesale flowers
16:54 - The impact of local grower groups and collaboration
21:53 - Use of greenery in bouquets and future crop plans
22:43 - Selling seed kits as gift products and diversification
23:43 - Insights into wholesale selling process and building relationships
29:19 - Working out crop costs and recording yields for profitability
32:24 - Group efforts for logistics and collective shipping
33:21 - Building a supportive grower community in Hamilton
36:48 - Transitioning into seed sales and diversifying income streams
39:13 - Favourite tools, including battery-powered sprayers
42:58 - Advice for new flower growers: research, focus, and enjoyment
45:14 - Reflecting on what gives Rachel joy in flower farming: connection with nature and people
Resources & Links:
• @freshcutflowerwholesalers Local flower wholesaler
• Floret's Cut Flower Garden Book https://gardenonthehill.co.nz/products/cut-flower-garden
• https://www.ryobitools.com/search?q=battery%20sprayers Ryobi Battery-Powered Sprayer
• https://www.harvestbloomflowers.co.nz/seedkits Seed Kits & Gift Pack Ideas
Connect with Rachel Inger:
• https://www.instagram.com/harvestbloomflowers/
This episode underscores how adaptable, community-oriented, and strategic flower farming can be—no matter your climate.
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: TK8ZPB5HGGMOS9MD, B4YGMZVPSREJYW0K
Spotify Show Notes: