With lots of people on vacation and not much changing in the market, we haven’t posted for a few weeks, but as we head into Fall there will be lots to report, so please check back frequently to keep on top of what’s happening.
Miscellaneous and Schedule Items
Summer Celebration- Our 2016 Summer Celebration program is almost over. There are only 2 weeks left to take advantage of some great specials, and earn chances to win a $50 gift card each week and a chance at the Grand Price of a trip to California. See the specials for Week 7 here: Summer Celebration Week 7
Fall Cream of the Crop- We are taking orders now for this very popular seasonal Standing Order that runs from the week of September 12th through Thanksgiving week. There are lots of great fall selections on this program- See the flyer that was sent out with Distinctive Values and contact your Sales Rep. The deadline to order is Friday August 26th. If you missed the flyer you can see it here: 2016 Fall Cream of the Crop
Year-round Standing Orders– With the Fall Cream of the Crop being booked now and the year-round Cream of the Crop booking period just around the corner, we are currently in a blackout period for making changes or additions to your year-round Standing Orders.
Novelties
Stock– The stock growers have begun harvesting from new fields. However, it has been very hot in the stock growing regions of California, and we may see some heat check in the next couple of weeks making stock harder to get. Heat Check basically stalls the growth of the flowers on the plants, so they don’t reach harvest stage when they were expected to when the growers planted them.
Larkspur– Larkspur from the Baja is finished. It is possible that we will come up short this week especially white. With the Baja out of production we have seen a spike in the cost as production is limited. There are very few growers producing lark at this time.
Bells of Ireland– The production and quality has improved and there are plenty of bells on the market. That being said, quality bells do not come without a price.
Delphinium– The supply of Delph is beginning to tighten as summer comes to a close. Demand remains very high. It is possible that we will see some shortages of some selections. In particular, Hybrid White Delph is limited due to excessive demand and limited production this time of year. We expect to see severe shortages in hybrid white delph and possibly orders that can’t be filled.
Snapdragons– Production of Snaps in California has begun to taper off. The flush of White we have seen the last few weeks is over. A large flush like we have seen the past couple of weeks usually means there will be a shortage to follow since all the Snaps came on all at once. It is possible that we will see shortages of White the next few weeks.
Beauty Asters– Normally at this time of year we are buying and selling Beauty Aster. Unfortunately our supplier has retired and we have not been able to find a new source. Aster is another of the long list of products that are disappearing from the market. Asters are very susceptible to disease and mildew and are difficult to grow. Low yield returns low profit which means product are discontinued by growers.
Protea– Pink Protea from California has for all intents and purposes finished. We will see a few stragglers here and there. There is a limited supply from South Africa and pricing is a factor. Those of you that enjoyed the California supply and price, please be aware that the South African prices are higher.
Sunflowers– Demand seems to have really picked up this week because the availability in the market really tightened up significantly. Luckily our local supplier are back on track and we should have a good supply this week.
Godetia– California Godetia is finished and we are limited to our small standing order from South America. Salmon or peach has not been available and we do not expect to see any in the near future.
Lisianthus– There will be a 2-3 week gap in local Lisianthus production while the farms wait for their 2nd crop to come in. We will have plenty available from Holland, Israel, California and Ecuador for the next couple of weeks.
Cut Kalenchoe– These are now available year round from South America. Kalanchoe is part of the succulent family and has a long vase life. The ones we tested still looked great after 2 weeks in a vase. We will have White, Orange and Pink in 50-60 cm length.
Ranunculus– As we go into wedding season, please keep in mind that Ranunculus is in season. BUT the market will be tight and certain colors may not be available. We may run into shortages. Please be cautious promising specific colors, and be sure to have a sub in mind just in case.
Anemone– The same comments regarding Ranunculus apply to Anemone. Yes, it will technically be in season through the fall. However we will run into weeks where there is limited availability and the market will be tight. White is always the toughest color to for us to keep up with demand, so try to have a Plan B for your brides.
Clematis- Please be aware that we sell clematis by Color, not variety, so there are several varieties that are sold as Purple, and the same for White, Red, Pink and Blue. The color categories have been determined by the supplier. Each bunch will have 10 stems of the same variety, but you might get a particular variety one day and a different one the next day, or two different varieties of purple the same day.
Basics and Fillers
Gyp– Gypsophila will remain somewhat tight for the next few weeks from a few farms. However supply is still limited and pricing remains on fairly high.
Limonium– All Limo will be somewhat limited as farms move over to new plantings. Maine Blue, Misty Blue and Misty White are all fairly limited.
Carnations– Carnation production is finally back to normal levels and demand is low, so prices are good. However, the grower of Moon Carns has no additional production for the next few weeks. Once our Standing Orders sell out each week, they are sold out. And a few colors and varieties will remain limited, in particular Peach, Crazy Horse, etc. that just aren’t grown in large quantities.
Mini Carnations– It looks as though Mini Carnation production is coming back on. BUT, farms have definitely cut back their yearly production numbers to more manageable levels.
Pom Pons- Production is good and demand is not too high, so prices are good. Check your Distinctive Values for a great special this week. We continue to see small quantities of Fall colors, but most will not be readily available until the first week of September.
Glads– California Peach, Lavender, Green and Salmon seem to be very limited. We will get what all we can when they are available. All other colors are available. DVFlora Assorted Glads are back on crop after a few weeks off. Local and Michigan production is good and will be our main supply until October. Mexican Gladsare off crop and will pick back up in October when the locals and Michigan start to fall off.
Eucalyptus– Unfortunately, we will have to halt the import of Mexican Eucalyptus. Each week it is getting held at the border which not only delays the entire truck, but sometimes the Euc has to be fumigated. We will still have Euc from California.
Roses
The market has been a little strange to say the least.. There are definitely some roses that are very low priced (freedoms and assorted) but there are also some solid colors we just haven’t been able to get enough of.
Reds– Plenty are available and prices are on the low side. However pricing for a couple premium farms have remained mostly on the higher side.
Colors– The typical wedding varieties like Sweet Eskimo, Playa Blanca, Sahara, Quicksand, etc. have really been limited and high priced.
Spray Roses– One of our growers is up and running with their new varieties. We’ve had a pretty consistent inventory of 6-7 varieties. The first set of varieties are geared a little toward fall colors so try them out now so you can use them in a few weeks. And be sure to try SAHARA SENSATION- a great complement to Sahara.
Botanicals
Citrus Plants – We currently some Lemon, Lime and Orange plants. available. They are currently not flowering or bearing fruit but they will eventually.
Gerbera Daisy – Potted gerbera from Canada and California have been struggling due the very warm temperatures that we have been having. It is best to double check availability if your customers are asking for them. We have been able to get some 5in assorted from Florida, however, we have not been as lucky with solid colors.
Ficus Standard– The 12in are going to be unavailable for approximately 4-6 weeks.
Indoor Flowering– Stage 2 to 3 is the average right now for blooming material. This means they are about 50% – 75% open
