Why I Gave Up Growing Annuals—and What Happened Next

As a flower farmer, giving up growing annuals feels like a radical move. After all, annuals are the backbone of many flower farms, providing the vibrant blooms that fill bouquets and bring in a steady stream of income throughout the growing season. But after dismantling a deeply ingrained belief that I had to work myself to the bone to be successful, I set out on a mission to streamline my business and prioritize what truly mattered to me. And in that process, annuals ended up on the chopping block.

You’re probably wondering what happened next and that’s exactly what this article will cover, so let’s dive in.

What Happened When I Gave Up Annuals

So, what was the result? It’s been two seasons since I stopped growing annuals for production, and I haven’t looked back. Sure, I still get the occasional itch to grow a few, and that’s why I have a personal garden just for my enjoyment—but you won’t see them back in production anytime soon.

Here’s what happened when I stopped growing annuals on my flower farm:

1. Took the Summers Off

   Giving up annuals allowed me to take the summer off, which meant more quality time with my boys and a welcome break from the high heat of the season. Plus, I could avoid the natural dip in demand for cut flowers that often happens during the summer months.

2. Focused on Specialty Flowers

   I decided to shift my focus to growing specialty flowers—the kinds that stand out from the typical grocery store offerings and command a higher price. (peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, tulips and anemones) By eliminating annuals, I could dedicate my time and resources to growing unique varieties that truly set my farm apart.

3. Sold in Straight Bunches Instead of Mixed Bouquets
   Without annuals, I switched to selling straight bunches instead of mixed bouquets. Making mixed bouquets is a huge time suck compared to offering straight bunches. By selling single-variety bouquets or bunching stems of one flower together, I saved myself hours of labor.

4. Eliminated Seed Starting
   Let’s be honest—seed starting is way more involved than many people like to admit. And when it’s happening inside your home, it comes with its own set of challenges: the mess, the cords, and the constant monitoring. By giving up annuals, I completely eliminated the need for seed starting. It was a huge relief to say goodbye to the clutter and chaos that comes with indoor seed starting.

5. Increased the Price of My Subscriptions
   With annuals out of the equation, I was able to increase my subscription prices significantly. I offered a peony subscription with $50 bouquets, spring bouquets at $40, and dahlia bouquets at $40. (No more $20 subscription bouquets!) By narrowing my focus to specialty flowers, I could charge higher prices increasing my overall revenue.

6. Gave Better Care to the Varieties I Did Grow
   With fewer flowers to manage, I had more time to take proper care of the varieties I did grow. I could stay on top of weeding, deadheading, and other tasks without constantly scrambling or "letting beds go."

7. Increased U-Pick Prices
   I raised my u-pick prices from $25 to $35. This change brought in more revenue without needing to attract more customers.

8. Found Some Balance
   Most importantly, I found some balance. Instead of constantly running around like a crazy person, trying to keep up with everything, I felt like I finally had control over my season. The stress of trying to "do it all" lifted, and I enjoyed a more balanced approach to flower farming.

9. Lost Revenue from DIY Flower Buckets
   A downside was decreased revenue from selling fewer DIY bulk buckets for events. However, this lost revenue was more than offset by the increased prices on subscriptions and U-picks.

The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to grow annuals to run a successful flower farm. In fact, there are a lot of benefits to specializing and focusing on what truly works for you and your business. If you’re curious about how to streamline your operation and increase profitability by specializing, I dive deeper into the benefits and strategies here.

Giving up annuals was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to reclaim my time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters—both in my business and in my life. If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, it might be time to consider what’s on your chopping block.

As transformative as it was to give up annuals, they were just the beginning. Once I saw the benefits of streamlining my business, I started questioning other parts of my operation. Slowly but surely, I began to let go of more flowers, narrowing my focus even further. What started as a bold decision to eliminate annuals is now guiding me toward an even more specialized approach. In the near future, I see myself growing just peonies. This laser-focused strategy will allow me to perfect my craft, reduce overhead, and truly stand out in the market. Stay tuned—this journey is far from over.

Looking for additional strategies to streamline your business? In this series, I reveal the exact methods I used to transform my flower farm into a lean, efficient operation!

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