Progress report for SW24-007
Project Information
The project addresses the significant environmental and health challenges posed by conventional flower production, including its substantial carbon footprint due to refrigeration and express shipping, high pesticide use, and intensive water demands. Organic, regional flower production stands as a sustainable alternative, yet its success hinges on producers' access to high-quality, regionally adapted seed varieties. Through the following five research objectives and five educational objectives, we aim to evaluate flower seed crop yield and quality, assess management practices, analyze weather conditions, determine suitable varieties, and disseminate findings:
Research Objective 1: Evaluate the yield and quality of key flower seed crops
Research Objective 2: Analyze the influence of weather conditions on flower seed production
Research Objective 3: Determine the suitability of different varieties for flower seed production
Research Objective 4: Determine isolation distances for flower seed crops.
Research Objective 5: Disseminate research findings and reports
Educational Objective 1: Create flower seed online community for social networking, education, and research coordination on the Organic Seed Commons
Educational Objective 2: Develop crop profiles for key flower seed crops
Educational Objective 3: Develop enterprise budget case studies for seed crops
Educational Objective 4: Host flower seed field days at each farm site Educational
Objective 5: Communicate project findings to producers and the general public
Significance for Agricultural Sustainability: The project is poised to create incremental and transformative changes in agricultural sustainability in the floral industry by providing access to regionally adapted seed varieties, enhancing economic viability, promoting environmental stewardship, and increasing resilience against climatic and market fluctuations.
Dissemination and Follow-up: Our dissemination strategy encompasses building communities of learners through online learning circles, publishing comprehensive reports, articles, presenting findings at conferences, and engaging historically underserved communities. Online platforms will serve as additional avenues for distributing guides and fact sheets. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders are designed to ensure the transfer of knowledge and increase the lasting impact of the project.
Expected Outcomes: The project is expected to yield several significant outcomes, including the expansion of markets for organic flowers, job creation for cut flower and seed producers, and the strengthening of rural businesses. Through this initiative, we aim to support a new paradigm for flower production that aligns with the principles of sustainability and community well-being.
Our project's innovative approach, collaborative team structure, and focus on research, education, and dissemination will contribute to sustainable agriculture. By addressing the need for regionally adapted seed varieties, we empower producers to thrive in an environmentally sound and economically viable manner.
Research Objective 1: Evaluate the yield and quality of key flower seed crops
Research Objective 2: Analyze the influence of weather conditions on flower seed production
Research Objective 3: Determine the suitability of different varieties for flower seed production
Research Objective 4: Determine isolation distances for flower seed crops.
Research Objective 5: Disseminate research findings and reports
Educational Objective 1: Create flower seed online community for social networking, education, and research coordination on the Organic Seed Commons
Educational Objective 2: Develop crop profiles for key flower seed crops
Educational Objective 3: Develop enterprise budget case studies for seed crops
Educational Objective 4: Host flower seed field days at each farm site Educational
Objective 5: Communicate project findings to producers and the general public
Cooperators
- - Producer
- - Producer
- (Researcher)
- (Researcher)
- - Producer
- - Producer
- (Educator)
- - Producer
- - Producer
- (Researcher)
Research
Objective 1: Evaluate the yield and quality of key flower seed crops.
To achieve this objective, the first year of replicated flower seed production trials has been conducted. To date, these trials have included the following crops: calendula, sweet peas, zinnias, asters, poppies, strawflower, cosmos and marigold. The trials have been implemented at the Organic Seed Alliance research farm in Chimicum, WA and at six commercial flower seed farms in four states: Eel River Produce in CA, Ferry Boat Seeds in WA, Flora Farm in OR, Lunaseed Farm in WA, Redwood Seeds in California, and Swift River Farm in ID.
Methodology: The trials followed a randomized complete block design with 2 or 3 replications of three varieties planted at each site. Yield and quality data was collected by harvesting each plot at the time of peak maturity. In addition, images were used to document key harvest and cleaning activities.
Objective 2: Analyze the influence of weather conditions on flower seed production.
To achieve this objective, weather data, including temperature and rainfall, was be collected at each trial site throughout the 2024 trial period.
Methodology: HOBO-brand weather monitoring stations were set up at each site to record temperature and rainfall.
Objective 5: Disseminate research findings and reports.
To achieve this objective, to date, crop summary report tables have been developed from the 2024 research trials.
Methodology: From the 2024 trial data, summary trial report tables have been prepared. These data summaries are being reviewed by the cooperating producers as part of developing reports to share with the broader public. Field days are being organized at the trial sites for 2025, allowing stakeholders to interact with researchers and gain firsthand knowledge of the findings.
Table 1. Preliminary seed yield results from multiple farms and varieties. Values are seed yield per plant (grams). Replicates are shown individually; averages are shown by crop and variety across all farms and replicates.
Part A. Individual Farm Replicates
| Crop | Variety | Farm | Replicate Yield (g/plant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aster | Moonstone | Farm 1 | 0.13 |
| Aster | Moonstone | Farm 1 | 0.18 |
| Aster | Moonstone | Farm 2 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Moonstone | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Sea Star | Farm 1 | 1.84 |
| Aster | Sea Star | Farm 1 | 1.85 |
| Aster | Sea Star | Farm 2 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Sea Star | Farm 2 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Sea Star | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Tower Chamois | Farm 1 | 1.12 |
| Aster | Tower Chamois | Farm 1 | 1.88 |
| Aster | Tower Chamois | Farm 2 | 0.00 |
| Aster | Tower Chamois | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 4 | 15.22 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 4 | 17.57 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 4 | 44.87 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 5 | 0.02 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 5 | 0.03 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 6 | 14.42 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 6 | 26.22 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 1 | 1.59 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 1 | 2.79 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 2 | 4.73 |
| Calendula | Resina | Farm 2 | 5.67 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 4 | 3.74 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 4 | 14.96 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 4 | 19.18 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 5 | 0.02 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 5 | 0.03 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 6 | 5.97 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 6 | 10.79 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 1 | 0.32 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 1 | 0.43 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 2 | 5.04 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | Farm 2 | 6.54 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 4 | 9.13 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 4 | 10.92 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 5 | 0.01 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 5 | 0.01 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 6 | 5.52 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 6 | 13.35 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 1 | 0.14 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 1 | 0.56 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | Farm 2 | 0.00 |
| Cosmos | Afternoon White | Farm 6 | 4.21 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 4 | 12.75 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 4 | 17.82 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 4 | 34.57 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 2 | 2.15 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | Farm 2 | 2.90 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | Farm 4 | 11.45 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | Farm 4 | 12.70 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | Farm 4 | 26.09 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | Farm 2 | 6.76 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 4 | 7.30 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 4 | 12.26 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 4 | 16.36 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 2 | 3.06 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | Farm 2 | 3.61 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 4 | 93.22 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 6 | 11.85 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 6 | 11.88 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 2 | 11.67 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 2 | 13.06 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 4 | 14.43 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 6 | 1.89 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 6 | 3.22 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 2 | 7.02 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 2 | 7.37 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | Farm 4 | 44.63 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | Farm 6 | 13.01 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | Farm 6 | 16.74 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | Farm 2 | 7.94 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Apricot Peach | Farm 4 | 11.50 |
| Strawflower | Apricot Peach | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Apricot Peach | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Mix | Farm 4 | 10.39 |
| Strawflower | Mix | Farm 4 | 13.00 |
| Strawflower | Mix | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Mix | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Silver Rose | Farm 4 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Silver Rose | Farm 5 | 0.00 |
| Strawflower | Silver Rose | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 4 | 10.17 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 4 | 29.74 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 6 | 6.42 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 6 | 9.36 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 2 | 10.87 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 2 | 11.10 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 4 | 12.78 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 6 | 5.39 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 6 | 6.41 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 2 | 16.48 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 2 | 16.58 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 4 | 5.57 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 4 | 24.52 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 6 | 4.25 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 6 | 7.80 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 2 | 5.39 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 2 | 8.27 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | Farm 3 | 0.00 |
Part B. Variety Averages
| Crop | Variety | Average Yield (g/plant) |
|---|---|---|
| Aster | Moonstone | 0.08 |
| Aster | Sea Star | 0.74 |
| Aster | Tower Chamois | 0.75 |
| Calendula | Resina | 12.10 |
| Calendula | Snow Princess | 6.09 |
| Calendula | Strawberry Blonde | 4.41 |
| Cosmos | Afternoon White | 4.21 |
| Cosmos | Apricot Lemonade | 11.70 |
| Cosmos | Cupcake Mix | 11.40 |
| Cosmos | Double Click Snowpuff | 7.10 |
| Marigold | Crackerjack | 23.61 |
| Marigold | Queen Sophia | 5.66 |
| Marigold | Shades of Gold | 16.46 |
| Strawflower | Apricot Peach | 3.83 |
| Strawflower | Mix | 5.85 |
| Strawflower | Silver Rose | 0.00 |
| Zinnia | Benary’s Giant | 11.09 |
| Zinnia | Queen Lime Red | 9.61 |
| Zinnia | Salmon Rose | 7.97 |
Research Outcomes
The research for this project is currently underway. There are no reccomendations to share at this point in the project.
Education and Outreach
Participation Summary:
Objective 1: Create flower seed online community for social networking, education, and research coordination on the Organic Seed Commons
Organic Seed Commons (OSC) https://www.organicseedcommons.org/ is a dynamic social networking platform designed and hosted by OSA where individuals and communities working in seed connect across and learn about the seed system with over 2,200 members representing 66 countries and all 50 US States. OSC is an established and thriving online ecosystem of seed communities, and the nexus for all of the proposed virtual activities in this project. To date, in OSC, we are building the Flower Seed Synergy Group that includes the participating flower seed farmers, and will be open to all other members interested in flower seed to network with other flower seed enthusiasts and engage in proposed outreach and educational events and tools.
Methods: An online flower seed synergy space is being created to host content from this project and serve as a peer-to-peer learning space where members can post questions and images and exchange knowledge.
Objective 3: Develop enterprise budget case studies for seed crops.
To address this objective, enterprise budget case studies are being developed with Highland Economics, an economics firm specializing in agricultural economics, showcasing the economic aspects of seed production. The case studies will highlight the range of fixed and variable costs, profitability, marketing strategies, and decision making processes involved in seed crop enterprises.
Case Study Development: Highland Economics has developed labor and input tracking tools, which were utilized by cooperating farms in 2024 to collect and compile all labor and input costs associated with the flower seed crops. These records will be used in conjunction with the trial yield data to develop the flower seed crop enterprise budgets.
Objective 4: Host flower seed field days at each farm site.
To accomplish this objective, field days are being being organized at the participating farms for the 2025 field season, providing an opportunity to share the results of the yield trials and case studies. The field days will also cover the basics of flower seed production, fostering knowledge exchange and networking among participants.
To date, we have not shared the project's preliminary findings outside of the project team.
Education and Outreach Outcomes
The project team does not have reccomendations to share at this point in the research.