Produce demand and personal preferences. Therefore, a visit to the markets and discussions with auctioneers, wholesalers, brokers and florists is essential. Demand for flowers varies in different markets. Level of financial input required. When a decision has been made, buy the best possible stock, plants or seed.
Modern varieties can be costly, but they have been bred and selected for the cut flower trade.
Colour, stem length and vase life are better, as well as vigour, production and health. Supply and demand factors Continuity of supply is important to buyers, and the season of individual flowers may be extended by choice of early, mid and late-season varieties, and by cultural treatments. There are periods when flowers are plentiful but demand is limited, especially in January and early February, with resulting low returns. At all times, grading should be done with extra care and only the best quality sent to customers, as it is important to maintain a good reputation among buyers. Weather conditions can produce a glut of seasonal flowers such as carnations, narcissus, iris, gladioli, chrysanthemums and cymbidium orchids.