We will periodically be bringing you highlights of what’s going on across the markets – fresh and hardgoods alike. We’ll touch on topics like supply & demand, season beginnings/endings, weather forecasts and everything in between. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Enjoy!
Miscellaneous
California Weather Report- Rain continues to fall in California! Unlike the past 5 years, rain is coming down throughout the entire state. Northern CA is getting more rain but all other growing regions are also benefiting with more than average precipitation. Based on the forecast we are expecting that to continue for the next 8-10 days. The downside to rain is some flowers like Stock, Laceflower and Bupleurum are limited or not available right now. The good news is that it will help with production as we move in the busy Spring season.
Basics
Fillers- Solidago is somewhat limited in availability and pricing his higher than normal. Laceflower production in California is a field crop, and will much lower during January and February. Asters, Limonium, Statice and Gyp are in good supply.
Alstroemeria– For Wedding and Holiday work please be careful about promising specific varieties. In order to get extra of a variety we need about 10 days notice minimum, IF we can even get that variety. Moving towards Valentine’s Day, production will be below demand as it is at every holiday and prices will be high. Those who prebook will get the best choices and prices.
Carnation and Mini Carnations– There is plenty of production compared to demand for the next week or so but that will turn around quickly as farms begin to hold product for the holiday and large bouquet makers absorb product for their production the third and fourth week of January. We expect to have enough Carnations for the holiday, but Mini Carns will be more limited since overall production has been reduced in recent years. Prices will be high on both items for the holiday.
Mums and Poms– We have a good supply on most Mums and Poms for this week with a few exceptions. Lavender Daisy and Cushions are limited, and most growers have moved away from Red Poms and Disbuds.
Novelties
Stock- Production of California Stock is very limited and there will be shortages. We have been able to keep up with demand on White but other colors have been difficult. This will continue for a few more weeks. We have been supplementing our supply with South American stock, including Spray Stock, which is starting to catch on.
Larkspur– Production from the Baja is now in full swing, but since White is the last color to start producing it is still limited. A lot of the production is still short but we’re starting to see more of the 80-90 cm come through.
Delphinium- Production from California is limited as it always is this time of year. There is a good supply from Ecuador but that will end as we move further into January.
Heather- From what we are hearing, what we have currently in Pink Heather will be it for a while. We do not expect it to be available for Valentine’s Day, but there is still a slim chance. White Heather is around but the season is short and that won’t be around for Valentine’s Day either.
Snapdragons- Production of Snaps in California and Canada seems good with the exception of Pink.
Protea, Leucadendron and South African product- This time of year most farms in South Africa are closed, so Berzlia, Brunia and some Leucadendron are limited or not available at all. There is plenty of Pink Protea. Banksia is limited but demand is low.
Iris- Demand for Iris is picking up now. We will have our first shipment from North Carolina this week, including Dark Blue, White and Yellow.
Sunflowers- Demand for Sunflowers is picking up again after a lull in December. Production of the DVFlora varieties hasn’t quite caught up yet so there will be shortages of those but we will supplement our inventory with more California Suns.
