When Are Cut-Flowers Locally Grown in the Southeast?
Generally, local flowers are expertly grown by farmers in the Southeastern region of the US from early February through late November, with the primary growing season being March through October.
As our seasons gradually change, local flower selection changes too, offering a beautiful opportunity for your designs to be rooted in time, place, and nature’s ever-evolving landscape. While you should always reference Stemz’ Priority Advance Order library for a more thorough list of projected wholesale flower availability for your desired receiving date, we hope this article serves as a helpful big picture guide as you plan for your upcoming year with locally grown flowers!
Early Spring (February-March)
Early Spring offers the incredible opportunity to source the very first locally grown flowers of the year. Often our most experienced growers offer selection this time of year by carefully growing specialty varieties in greenhouses. Top crops in February and March include:
- Anemones
- Flowering Tree Branches
- Hellebores
- Hyacinth
- Narcissus
- Poppies
- Pussy Willow
- Spirea
- Stock
- Tulips, Specialty Varieties
Peak Spring (April-May)
Local flowers are in full-bloom come April, with larger volumes of beauty available for Spring Events! Spring is incredible for both face flowers and airy white filler flowers. Top crops in April and May include:
- Agrostemma/ Ammi
- Baptisia
- Campanula
- Delphinium
- Foxgloves
- Larkspur
- Peonies
- Poppies
- Ranunculus
- Snapdragons
- Sweet Peas
- Yarrow
Summer (June-Mid August)
As the summer sun fuels local blooms, the selection of specialty flowers changes notably. The wild, wispy and prolific field crops emerge! Top crops in June, July, and Early August include:
- Cosmos
- Dahlias*
- Echinacea
- Herbs/ Grasses
- Hydrangea
- Lisianthus
- Marigolds
- Phlox
- Scabiosa
- Sunflowers
- Rudbeckia
- Zinnias
*Dahlias can have very limited first cuts in June/July, but the true season starts in August.
Peak Fall (Late August-October)
With warmer soil temps, farmers wait patiently as dahlia plants grow strong over the summer and finally reach their moment in the Fall! They have notable harvests in August, peaking mid September, and lasting through first frost (which ranges mid October to early November typically). Other summer crops continue in earnest but with a new focus on autumnal colors. Top crops in Late August, September, and October include:
- Amaranth
- Celosia
- Chrysanthemums
- Cosmos
- Dahlias
- Eucalyptus
- Gomphrena
- Lisianthus
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Tuberose
- Zinnias
Late Fall/ Holiday (November-Early December)
As dahlias and summer crops naturally end and daylight decreases, a new focal flower takes the spotlight: Heirloom Chrysanthemums. These are the last word on a beautiful local flower season, accompanied by unique fall textures and holiday evergreens! Top crops in November through early December include:
- Berries
- Boxwood
- Chrysanthemums
- Eucalyptus
- Evergreens
- Gomphrena
- Grasses/ Textures
- Kale, Ornamental
- Magnolia
- Marigolds
We Invite You to Explore a Year of Local Flowers
The highlights above are the only the beginning of what our farmers are growing for you, our Floral Creative Community. Countless more varieties are in the works, and of course, each crop usually comes in an array of colors! We invite you to intentionally observe this year’s changing local flower season, cherishing each month’s treasures.
Ready to explore more in depth what’s in season next month or simply next week? Browse future flowers via Priority Advance Ordering and/or check out our Live Field Inventory for next week. We’re so excited you’re here for the seasonal ride with both the Stemz Team and our network of Farm Partners across NC, SC & VA!
With local love,
Margo
Written by Margo Greenawald
Regional Sales Rep | margo@findstez.com
With years of experience in the wholesale flower industry, Margo is passionate about making floral sourcing easy and is excited to help get local blooms in your hands!