Foliage Plants Crop Guide

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.

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