| Estimated Cost |
$2 to $7 per square foot of greenhouse/shade house |
| Market Outlets |
Retail garden centers, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, interior landscapers, retail florists |
| Market Potential |
Good |
| Profit Potential |
$0 to $20 per square foot per year (gross) |
| Adapted Areas |
All, some climate advantages in South Texas; 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, shade houses |
| Soil Requirements |
None |
| Water Requirements |
Large volume of high quality irrigation water |
| Minimum Size |
15,000 square feet |
| Risk Factor |
Moderate |
| Other Limiting Factors |
Direct competition with Florida and other major producing areas limits Texas production. |
| Comments |
Many foliage plants are susceptible to saline water and cannot be produced commercially in Texas. Foliage business is somewhat seasonal with primary sales in spring. |
