Late-season High Tunnel Planting of Specialty Cut Flowers in the Midwestern United States Influences Yield and Stem Quality

Abstract

<jats:p>Production and market value of U.S. grown specialty cut flowers has increased over the past several years due to stem quality issues related to long-distance transport, regional proximity to market centers, and consumer’s willingness to purchase locally. Cut flowers are traditionally grown in field or greenhouse environments; however, high tunnels provide an alternative production environment and a number of cultural and economic advantages. Specialty cut flower species ‘Campana Deep Blue’ bellflower (<jats:italic>Campanula carpatica</jats:italic>), bells of ireland (<jats:italic>Moluccella laevis</jats:italic>), ‘Bombay Firosa’ celosia (<jats:italic>Celosia cristata</jats:italic>), ‘Amazon Neon Purple’ dianthus (<jats:italic>Dianthus barbatus</jats:italic>), ‘Fireworks’ gomphrena (<jats:italic>Gomphrena pulchella</jats:italic>), ‘Vegmo Snowball Extra’ matricaria (<jats:italic>Tanacetum parthenium</jats:italic>), and ‘Potomac Lavender’ snapdragon (<jats:italic>Antirrhinum majus</jats:italic>) were planted in both field and high tunnel environments during the late season (early summer) in the midwestern United States. Compared with field production, high tunnel production yielded 9.1 stems/m<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> (75%) for bells of ireland and 9.5 cm (15%), 16.8 cm (16%), 6.7 cm (44%), and 6.3 cm (19%) longer stems for bells of ireland, celosia, gomphrena, and matricaria, respectively. Additionally, stem length and caliper was greatest for high tunnel–grown bells of ireland, celosia, and dianthus. Our results indicate that late-season planting and production in a high tunnel is suitable for most of the species we investigated.</jats:p>

Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) on the Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Postharvest Quality of Polygonatum multiflorum L. All. ‘Variegatum’ Cut Foliage

“…Ornamental plants grown as floristic material are most often produced in specialized greenhouses, whose construction and maintenance costs are quite high. A much cheaper alternative is the cultivation of plants in an unheated foil tunnel or in field conditions [36]. Compared to field-grown crops, plants cultivated in a tunnel are characterized by higher yield, quality, and marketability [37].…”

Ornamental Kale as a Cut Flower under High Tunnels in the Southeastern United States

“…Specialty and/or locally grown cut flowers may be profitable for their unique qualities, faster harvest to consumer transition resulting in a longer post-harvest vase life, and for delicate flowers which are difficult to transport without damaging (Ortiz et al, 2012;Owen et al, 2016;Wien, 2009;Yue and Hall, 2010). The increasing interest among U.S. consumers to purchase American-grown and/or locally grown flowers alongside other agricultural products (Connor, 2018;Feldmann and Hamm, 2015;Low and Vogel, 2011;Yue et al, 2011) is a value-driven trend.…”

“…A high tunnel vs. field comparison of six cut flower species in New York, ornamental kale not included, suggested that similar transplant dates yield earlier and more concentrated harvest periods under high tunnels but did not always increase the number of stems per plant (Wien, 2009). Owen et al (2016) conducted a high tunnel and field system comparison of seven conventionally grown cut flowers from July through October in Indiana. Although ornamental kale was not included, selected cut flower species demonstrated increases in the total number of stems per week when grown under high tunnels, and stem length was greater for most flower types compared with the field (Owen et al, 2016).…”

“…Owen et al (2016) conducted a high tunnel and field system comparison of seven conventionally grown cut flowers from July through October in Indiana. Although ornamental kale was not included, selected cut flower species demonstrated increases in the total number of stems per week when grown under high tunnels, and stem length was greater for most flower types compared with the field (Owen et al, 2016). Overall, the number of flowers per plant was not different between the high tunnel and field but flower quality was greater for selected species (Owen et al, 2016).…”

“…Although ornamental kale was not included, selected cut flower species demonstrated increases in the total number of stems per week when grown under high tunnels, and stem length was greater for most flower types compared with the field (Owen et al, 2016). Overall, the number of flowers per plant was not different between the high tunnel and field but flower quality was greater for selected species (Owen et al, 2016). Lastly, Ortiz et al (2012) found that high tunnels could result in earlier yields, more stems, and longer stems for selected cut flowers including snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus 'Rocket Red'), dianthus (Dianthus barbatus 'Amazon Neon Cherry'), stock (Matthiola incana 'Katz Lavender Blue'), zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Benary Giant Scarlet'), dahlia (Dahlia ·hybrida 'Karma Thalia Dark Fuschia'), lisianthus (Eustoma russellianum 'Mariachi Blue'), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Sunrich Yellow' and 'Premier Lemon') compared with the field in Indiana.…”