Source:  NCDA&CS, 4/29/10

Locally grown flowers and ornamental plants not only add a sweet smell to North Carolina gardens, but they also sweeten the economy through farm income and employment opportunities statewide.

“This segment of the industry contributes more than $207 million to the state’s overall agricultural economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With more than 20 million square feet of total floral greenhouse area and nearly 800 acres of outdoor floral production in the state, it’s no surprise North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in floriculture production.”

Industry highlights include:

• Bedding and garden plants generate $115 million in wholesale value;
• Potted flowering plants generate $41 million;
• Poinsettias generate $17.9 million;
• North Carolina ranks second in the nation in poinsettia production;
• North Carolina farmers produce more than 1,000 different varieties of floriculture crops.

Gov. Bev Perdue recently proclaimed May as Floriculture Month in recognition of the industry’s economic impact.

Gardeners interested in adding North Carolina-grown plants to their own yards, can find plants at retail nurseries, garden centers and state-run farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax, Lumberton and Raleigh. Many smaller farmers markets also have plant vendors on-site during the spring and summer season. A listing of retail plant locations is available at www.ncfarmfresh.com.

For more information about North Carolina’s floriculture industry, go to the N.C. Commercial Flower Growers Association’s website, www.nccfga.org.