Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Bedding Plants

Estimated Cost $5 to $7 per square foot of greenhouse

Market Outlets Retail garden centers, mass merchandisers, grocery stores

Market Potential Good

Profit Potential $0 to $20 per square foot per year (gross)

Adapted Areas All, best near urban areas or other major markets.

Labor Requirements Moderate to high depending on mechanization level. Generally one to three employees per 10,000 square feet.

Equipment Requirements Greenhouse facility

Soil Requirements None

Water Requirements Large volume of high quality irrigation water.

Minimum Size 10,000 square feet

Risk Factor Moderate

Other Limiting Factors Marketing is the greatest limiting factor in bedding plant production. Adverse weather conditions during primary marketing periods can reduce sales. Also seasonality and decreased summer production can reduce profitability.

Additional Information

Comments Bedding plant producers usually start in January with plants to be sold in spring (March to June) followed by plants for the fall season (September to November). Most bedding plant producers also grow a poinsettia crop (September to December). Consider transportation costs.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$5 to $7 per square foot of greenhouse
Market Outlets	Retail garden centers, mass merchandisers, grocery stores
Market Potential	Good
Profit Potential	$0 to $20 per square foot per year (gross)
Adapted Areas	All, best near urban areas or other major markets.
Labor Requirements	Moderate to high depending on mechanization level. Generally one to three employees per 10,000 square feet.
Equipment Requirements	Greenhouse facility
Soil Requirements	None
Water Requirements	Large volume of high quality irrigation water.
Minimum Size	10,000 square feet
Risk Factor	Moderate
Other Limiting Factors	Marketing is the greatest limiting factor in bedding plant production. Adverse weather conditions during primary marketing periods can reduce sales. Also seasonality and decreased summer production can reduce profitability.
Additional Information
Comments	Bedding plant producers usually start in January with plants to be sold in spring (March to June) followed by plants for the fall season (September to November). Most bedding plant producers also grow a poinsettia crop (September to December). Consider transportation costs.