| 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. |
| 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. |
