Wyoming Perspective On Cut Flower Production

A series of simple feasibility studies have been conducted at the University of Wyoming regarding production of various fresh cut flower crops in our climate. Snapdragons (Antirrhiunum majus L.), callas (Zantedeschia aethiopica L. Spreng), and orchids (Cymbidium spp.) were grown to assess opportunities for production in Wyoming. All were grown in a polycarbonate-covered greenhouse at 13 °C night/21 °C day temperatures at 2,376 meters altitude in Laramie, Wyoming. Callas and orchids were planted in 7 L containers placed on 61 cm centers while snapdragons were grown in 2.4 L containers pot-to-pot. Callas and snapdragons were planted in a commercial mix containing coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite; orchids were grown in a commercial orchid medium consisting of bark, peat moss, and perlite. All plants were watered as needed and were fertilized using a 15N-3.9P-10.0K slow-release fertilizer. Callas produced flowers almost continuously throughout the year. Production averaged 5.4 flowers·m^-2· week. Cymbidium orchids flowered in the fall months, as they are long-night plants. Production averaged 1 spike·m^-2· week over three months. Snapdragons were grown from September through December and in three months produced an average of 3.6 stems·m^-2· week with harvest concentrated in the last four weeks of the study period. These flowers can be grown for the fresh cut market in Wyoming.