Cold Chrysanthemums

Local cut flower chrysanthemum growers attended a workshop recently at Greenmount Campus to gain a better understanding of sustainable seasonal chrysanthemum production.

Presentations from CAFRE Horticulture Development Adviser David Davidson focused on reducing costs associated with standard bloom and spray chrysanthemum production by producing them at a heating set point of 5⁰C to maintain a frost free crop with minimal heat input. He also explained how Greenmount are demonstrating the production of cut flower chrysanthemums using Integrated Pest Management techniques using biological control predators.

The Greenmount chrysanthemum variety demonstration at the workshop showed that new varieties of Standard Bloom chrysanthemums not previously grown by local growers can be produced successfully in glasshouses with minimal heat. Feedback from buyers was that the quality and vase life of the chrysanthemums produced exceeded that of imported chrysanthemums.

Local chrysanthemum grower Billy Plunkett of Plunketts Nurseries in Newtownards was very interested in the new varieties grown at Greenmount Campus.  He said “I have seen several potential new varieties of standard bloom chrysanthemums at the Greenmount Campus demonstration today which I would be very interested to start growing in my own business. I also heard some new things about feeding chrysanthemums which I would be interested to try for myself with my own chrysanthemum crops”.   

David Davidson, Horticulture Development Adviser, CAFRE said ” Locally produced flower chrysanthemums are very popular with Northern Ireland customers thanks to their top quality, freshness and vase life compared to imported chrysanthemums. Currently the majority of locally produced cut flower chrysanthemums are sold to small local retailers and markets but there is scope to supply more to local wholesalers, florists and supermarkets. The beauty about chrysanthemums is that they will naturally flower with very little energy requirement for the harvest festival season in October when they are in high demand for harvest services”  

If you or a family member would like further information on short training courses and technology demonstration events to develop and support new and existing growers within the cut flower and foliage sector, contact David Davidson, Horticulture Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus by emailing david.davidson@dardni.gov.uk or by phoning 028 37 515605 or mobile:  077761 52524.

Admiring Standard Bloom cut flower chrysanthemums at the workshop at Greenmount Campus are left to right;  David Davidson, Horticulture Development Adviser, CAFRE, Billy Plunkett of Plunkett’s Nurseries,