How to Grow and Sell Cut Flowers Successfully

The Backyard Bouquet Podcast

How to Grow and Sell Cut Flowers Successfully

Ep.55: Cut Flower Farming with Dave Dowling: Real-World Advice for Growing and Selling Flowers

If you’ve been in the flower farming world for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard the name Dave Dowling. With over 20 years of experience as a cut flower grower, plus years helping thousands of growers through his work with Ednie, Ball Seed, and the ASCFG, Dave has become one of the most trusted voices in the industry.

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Dave shares his journey—from his early market days to his semi-retirement—and offers practical advice for new and seasoned growers alike. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a flower farm or already in full bloom, this episode is packed with lots of great insight.

From Backyard Bouquets to Full-Time Farming

Like many flower farmers, Dave’s story started small. “I was working at a garden center and had flowers at the end of my driveway,” he shared. “I went on a bike ride and saw someone selling flowers at a farmers market. So, I thought, ‘I have the same flowers… why don’t I do that someday?’”

That seed of curiosity grew into Farmhouse Flowers —a year-round cut flower farm that would span three acres, multiple greenhouses, and farmers markets across D.C. “I never really planned on it getting as big as it did. It just happened.”

Dave’s Top Lessons for Flower Farmers

Dave has seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to building a successful flower business. Some of his biggest takeaways?

“Don’t let weeds take over. They can be your most expensive crop.”

“If you expect more than one flower from a plant, you’re going to need to fertilize it.”

“You don’t make money growing flowers. You make it selling flowers.”

He also emphasized the importance of learning from others—whether through farm tours, courses, or conferences. “You’ll learn more walking through another grower’s field than from any book or video.”

Selling Cut Flowers: What Actually Works

Dave found great success selling at farmers markets—but not in the way many start out. “At first, I brought premade bouquets. But one day a customer said, ‘Can I just pick my own flowers?’ and it never occurred to me that people would want to do that.”

He quickly shifted to selling by the stem, which cut prep time drastically and increased customer satisfaction. “We’d put the full buckets in the truck and set them out at the market. We didn’t touch them again until we wrapped them up and took people’s money.”

He also emphasized price transparency: “If somebody has to ask the price, they’re probably just going to keep walking.”

Best-Selling Flowers: What to Grow More Of

Dave built a reputation as “the lily guy,” often bringing hundreds of lilies to market. But he also swears by:

Lisianthus: “They last forever in the vase and people ask for them.”
Sunflowers: “Easy, fast, and everyone loves them.”
Alstroemeria ‘Summer Heat’: “If you keep them picked, they keep blooming. They come back year after year.”
Peonies: “Once you get them in, they’re there forever. Just keep the weeds out.”

He also recommended a newer variety for U-pick farms: Sunfinity Double Sunflowers. “They don’t produce seed, but one plant can give you 50 flowers all season. It’s a great investment.”

Tips on High Tunnels and NRCS Grants

Dave encourages all growers to look into high tunnel grants through the NRCS.

“My recommendation is just go to your state and apply. Let them tell you no, rather than thinking they’re going to tell you no.”

Rules vary state by state. Some prioritize food crops, others require that you’re already actively farming. But Dave noted, “Even if you get turned down the first time, try again. It’s worth it.”

Thinking About Turning Your Hobby Into a Business?

For those dreaming of turning their love of flowers into a sustainable business, Dave offered this:

“If you haven’t grown before, take some courses. There’s a gazillion YouTube videos, but find someone you trust.”

He also reminded listeners to treat it like a business from day one: track expenses, separate finances, and set up insurance. “If someone gets hurt and you don’t have liability coverage, it could cost you your business.”

Collaboration Over Competition: Why It Matters

Dave is a big believer in community over competition. “If it’s a good farmers market, having more than one cut flower grower actually brings in more customers.”

“The real competition isn’t your neighboring grower. It’s imported flowers.”

He’s seen flower co-ops pop up across the country, and many are thriving. “They sell more flowers and make it easier for florists to source locally.”

Is the Local Flower Movement Growing?

“The number of local flower growers is growing fast,” Dave said, noting that Ball Seed sees hundreds of new cut flower customers every month. But he also offered a realistic perspective:

“We’re never going to replace imported flowers entirely. We don’t have the space or the year-round supply. But there’s still so much opportunity.”

He encouraged growers to think beyond farmers markets: roadside stands, CSA bouquets, U-pick fields, and coffee shop partnerships all offer creative ways to sell.

What Dave Hopes to Leave Behind

After 20+ years growing and 10+ years helping others grow, what is Dave most proud of?

“Seeing someone succeed. Helping other growers get where they are now—that’s what makes me happy.”

He also spoke about the Dave Dowling Scholarship through the ASCFG, which helps support future growers pursuing a career in cut flowers.

Listen to the Full Episode

This episode is full of stories, strategies, and heartfelt wisdom. Whether you’re just starting or several seasons in, Dave’s experience is sure to inspire and equip you.

🎧 Click here to listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts

🎧 Click here to listen to the full episode on Spotify

🌼 Want to connect with Dave Dowling?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davemdowling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveDowlingBallHort

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