Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Flowering Plants

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

Market Outlets Retail florists, grocery stores, retail garden centers, mass merchandisers

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 15,000 square feet

Risk Factor Moderate

Other Limiting Factors Production of flowering plants (i.e., chrysanthemums, kalanchoes, etc.) requires intensive management and technical skills. markets can be limited for low volume producers.

Additional Information

Comments Most flowering plant production is associated with holidays. Although year-round scheduling is possible, summer months can be slow.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$5 to $7 per square foot of greenhouse
Market Outlets	Retail florists, grocery stores, retail garden centers, mass merchandisers
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	15,000 square feet
Risk Factor	Moderate
Other Limiting Factors	Production of flowering plants (i.e., chrysanthemums, kalanchoes, etc.) requires intensive management and technical skills. markets can be limited for low volume producers.
Additional Information
Comments	Most flowering plant production is associated with holidays. Although year-round scheduling is possible, summer months can be slow.