Flower Farming in New Zealand

Season 3 Episode 1: In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson chats with Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens in Huntly, a grower who has built a successful flower business by combining practical horticulture knowledge with smart market decisions.Mike shares his journey from nursery work and dairy farming to commercial flower farming, explains how his unique microclimate influences what he grows, and dives deep into practical production strategies for ranunculus, anemones, hydrangeas, and marigolds.The conversation covers everything from greenhouse design and plant spacing to selling through wholesalers, giving listeners real-world insights into running a profitable flower farm in New Zealand.Whether you're a new grower, an experienced flower farmer, or simply love learning about how flowers are produced, this episode is packed with valuable advice.In This Episode Jo and Mike discuss:How Huhu Gardens got its memorable nameMike’s journey from nursery growing to milking 800 cows to running a flower farmTransitioning from export hydrangeas to selling foliage locallyWhy ranunculus and anemones are valuable early-season cropsThe tunnel house setup that produces longer, high-quality stemsGrowing marigolds for the wholesale marketSelling flowers through wholesalers vs auctionsManaging quality control and reputation in the flower marketWhy foliage can sometimes be more profitable than flowersGrowing in a warm Huntly microclimate (with bananas and citrus!)The importance of volume, consistency, and market demandWhy new flower farmers should talk to wholesalers before plantingLessons learned from 20+ years in the flower industry
Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction00:02 Meet Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens02:50 From nursery work to dairy farming to flower farming04:00 Early crops: callas, statice, and hydrangeas05:00 Growing ranunculus and anemones in tunnels07:00 Plant spacing and production volumes10:00 Tunnel house design and microclimate mesh13:00 Seasonal crop schedule at Huhu Gardens15:00 Growing the Coco series marigolds16:40 Hydrangeas: export markets and shifting to foliage19:00 Selling through wholesalers vs auctions21:00 Maintaining quality and grower reputation24:00 Hydrangea production and shade growing28:00 Chiller management and flower storage30:00 Rainfall and climate differences across NZ33:00 Summer weather challenges and storms36:00 Growing gypsophila and amaranthus40:00 Ranunculus production tips and disease management44:00 Using shade cloth in tunnels46:00 Advice for new flower farmers50:00 Lessons from decades in flower farming54:00 Growing lavender and enjoying the farmAbout the PodcastFlower Farming in New Zealand explores the realities of growing flowers commercially across New Zealand’s diverse climates. Hosted by Jo Robinson, the podcast features growers, florists, and industry experts sharing practical advice and real experiences.________________________________________🌷 Follow & ListenIf you enjoy the episode:Follow the podcast on SpotifySubscribe on YouTubeShare with another flower growerConnect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/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/flowerfarmersinnz⁠Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
Key words:#flowerfarminginNZ#nzflowergrowers#nzflorists#sustainablefloristry#sustainableflowerfarming

In this episode of Flower Farming in NZ, Jo sits down with Melanie, a New Zealand flower farmer, florist, and entrepreneur, to explore how a love of gardening grew into multiple successful flower-based businesses.
Melanie shares her journey from home gardener to running a commercial flower farm, florist shop, retail stores, and an online gift box business, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of scaling in the flower industry.
Together, Jo and Melanie discuss the challenges and rewards of flower farming in New Zealand, including working with a unique climate and landscape, plant selection for cut flower production, and the importance of growing flowers that are both beautiful and commercially viable.
Drawing on her scientific background and years of hands-on experience, Melanie explains how she approaches flower selection, harvest timing, and sustainability, and why eco-friendly growing practices are essential to the future of floristry.
The conversation also highlights Melanie’s strong commitment to community engagement, local charities, and events — and the powerful role flowers play in bringing joy, connection, and meaning to people’s lives.
This episode is ideal for:
Flower farmers and growers

Florists and floral designers

Anyone interested in sustainable floristry, flower business models, or growing flowers for picking

Takeaways
• Explore sustainable practices in flower farming.
• Innovative techniques for eco-friendly floristry.
• The joy of sharing flowers with the community.
• Challenges and rewards of running a flower farm.
• Importance of eco-friendly practices in floristry.
• Future trends in the floristry industry.
• Creative solutions for floral arrangements.
• Engaging the community through flowers.
• Balancing business and passion in floristry.
• Insights into New Zealand's floral industry

Chapters
• 00:00:13 Introduction to Flower Farming
• 00:22:50 Innovative Oasis Alternatives
• 00:28:26 Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement
• 00:38:18 Future Trends and Challenges in Floristry

flower farming
sustainable practices
eco-friendly floristry
community engagement
innovative techniques
New Zealand flowers
floral arrangements
gardening
horticulture
floristry business
Community champions
Fundraising
Joy of flowers
cut flower production

In this episode of "Flower Farming in New Zealand," Jo Robinson welcomes Georgie Newbery of Common Farm Flowers.
Georgie is a renowned flower farmer, a florist, an educator, and an author.
Jo & Georgie discuss the importance of community in flower farming, the challenges and joys of growing flowers sustainably, and the impact of climate change on farming practices. Georgie shares her experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show and her passion for teaching and supporting small-scale flower farmers. The conversation highlights the value of local, sustainable flower farming and the importance of collaboration and innovation in the industry.
Takeaways
• Community is vital in flower farming, providing support and shared knowledge.
• Sustainable practices in flower farming are essential for environmental health.
• The Chelsea Flower Show is a prestigious event showcasing innovative floristry.
• Teaching and sharing knowledge, strengthens the flower farming community.
• Local flower farming supports the economy and reduces environmental impact.
• Climate change presents challenges and opportunities for flower farmers.
• Collaboration among flower farmers enhances resource sharing and innovation.
• Georgie Newbery emphasizes the importance of using local materials in floristry.
• The demand for locally grown flowers is increasing in urban markets.
• Flower farming can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice.

Chapters
• 00:00:00 Introduction to Georgie Newbery
• 00:03:00 The Importance of Community
• 00:09:00 Sustainable Flower Farming
• 00:15:00 Chelsea Flower Show Experience
• 00:21:00 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
• 00:27:00 Challenges of Climate Change
• 00:33:00 Collaboration in the Industry
• 00:39:00 The Future of Flower Farming

Connect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz

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: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele

Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
#flower farming,
#sustainable horticulture
#Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal 2025
#community connections
#local rural economy
#floristry
#small business education
#flower farmers collaboration

In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, host Jo Robinson interviews Dr. Keith Hammett, a renowned plant breeder known for his work with dahlias.
The conversation explores Keith's journey into breeding plants, his inspirations, and the intricate processes involved in creating new varieties.
Dr Keith shares insights into the challenges of breeding, the importance of genetic variability, and the aesthetic considerations that influence his work. The discussion also touches on the significance of protecting breeder rights, the role of marketers and retailers, and the joy that comes from connecting with flower farmers and enthusiasts.
Dr Keith's passion for horticulture and dedication to his craft shine through as he reflects on his experiences and the impact of his work on the flower industry.
Bullet Points:
• Breeding requires a long-term vision, often spanning decades.
• Dahlias are unique due to their genetic variability and breeding challenges.
• The breeding process involves defining clear goals and selecting appropriate parent plants.
• Aesthetics play a crucial role in the breeding of dahlias.
• Maintaining breeding stock is essential for successful plant breeding.
• The distillation process helps refine breeding selections over time.
• Breeders need to protect their rights to recoup their investments.
• Marketers and retailers are vital for bringing new varieties to market.
• The joy of breeding comes from seeing the happiness it brings to others.
• Naming new breeds can be both fun and challenging.
The Important Bits!!
• "You have to think in decades."
• "The magic has never left me."
• "I have a little white book."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Keith Hammett
02:48 The Journey into Dahlia Breeding
07:29 Breeding Goals and Inspirations
09:32 Understanding the Breeding Process
12:20 The Role of Exhibitors in Breeding
16:27 Genetic Variability in Dahlias
19:02 The Aesthetic of Dahlia Breeding
20:12 Favorite Dahlias and Surprises in Breeding
22:40 Challenges in Maintaining Breeding Lines
23:32 The Art of Plant Breeding
25:58 Navigating Plant Patents and Breeder Rights
29:37 The Role of Marketers in Plant Breeding
31:58 Understanding Plant Health and Breeding Stock
35:22 Seed Storage and Maintenance
36:50 The Impact of DNA Sampling in Breeding
40:31 The Importance of Collaboration in Plant Breeding
40:52 The Joy of Connecting Through Flowers
42:40 Naming New Breeds: A Creative Challenge

Info for all show notes:
Connect with Our Sponsors:(UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz
 
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, ifyou like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you cansupport 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:Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
 
Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
#Dahlia breeding
#plant breeding#horticulture
#flower farming
#genetic variability
#breeding goals
#plant variety rights
#flower aesthetics
#flower farmers
#plant health

In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, host Jo Robinson welcomes Marisa from Urban Floral Farmlet.
They discuss Marisa's journey from a corporate career to flower farming, the challenges of urban farming, and the impact of COVID-19 on her business.
Marisa shares insights on growing flowers in limited spaces, the importance of community, and her experiences with various growing and floristry courses. The conversation also touches on the significance of local support and the joy flowers bring to people's lives.
Takeaways
• Marisa transitioned from a corporate career to flower farming during COVID-19.
• Urban farming presents unique challenges and opportunities.
• Community support is vital for local businesses.
• Floristry courses offer valuable insights but may not suit everyone.
• COVID-19 prompted a shift towards local and sustainable practices.
• Marisa values the joy flowers bring to people's lives.
• Growing flowers in urban spaces requires creativity and adaptability.
• The Floret Scholarship provided Marisa with valuable resources.
• Marisa emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.
• Local collaborations enhance business resilience.

Marisa's words of wisdom:
Growing flowers in the city is unique.
Flowers bring joy to people's lives.
Community support is vital
Urban farming requires creativity.
Local collaborations are key.
Work-life balance is crucial.
The Floret Scholarship was invaluable.
Local businesses need community support.

Chapters
• 02:04 Impact of COVID-19
• 06:36 Urban Farming Challenges
• 13:47 Introduction and Marisa's Background
• 17:19 Floristry Courses and Insights
• 28:51 Community and Local Support
• 43:47 Joy and Passion for Flowers
Connect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz

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: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele

Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
#flowerfarming
#urbanflowerfarming
#NewZealandFlowerFarmers
#localbusiness
#UrbanFloralFarmlet
#JoRobinson