Open Flower Network: Channeling Optimism
Best Perennials for Flower Farmers
Jun 26, 2025
For many consumers and flower lovers, perennials like lupins, foxglove, and columbines are nostalgic favourites, reminding us of simple pleasures. For specialty cut flower farmers, perennials can be life savers! With proper planning, they can save time and money, fill gaps in the growing season, and appeal to a niche market. But perennials are not without challenges or limitations!
In these videos, Theresa Schumilas of Garden Party Flower Farms talks about the advantages and drawbacks of perennials, and run through some of the most popular and profitable varieties for Canadian farmers.
Early season perennials
Blooming from start of season to end of June
Mid-to-late season perennials
Blooming July to end of season
More resources for
Channeling Optimism
Plugging into Flower Plugs
Find out about the history and the future of the Collective Plug Order, a grassroots collaboration that has let small flower farmers in Canada pool their plug orders.
Working with ‘Cool’ Flowers
What are ‘cool flowers’? In this post, we’re walking through the basics and benefits of fall-planted annuals.
Pick Your Sales Channel
Learn about the opportunities and limitations of different flower sales channels, from on-farm sales to Pick Your Own to wedding design.
Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
