Project Leaders:
- Daphne Yannakakis, Zephyros Farm and Garden, Paonia, CO
- Ashley Krest, Stinky Blooms Farm, Paonia, CO
Technical Advisor: Ron Godin, Research Scientist, CSU-WCRC, Hotchkiss, CO
Project Years: 2006, 2007
Proposal Summary
The Western Slope of Colorado is an ideal location for high tunnel production of many specialty crops due to the high light intensity. These conditions make is possible to have early season production. The benefits of high tunnel production of cut flowers are numerous: early and late season production commands the highest prices for cut flowers; high tunnel production also increases flower stem length and quality; and the diversity of cut flowers grown is increased as a result of fewer climatic restraints.
The first year of this project will be spent conducting research, such as setting up a flower CSA and marketing holiday bouquets. The information obtained from this year of research will then be used to create new product lines and a sales strategy for the 2007 production year. Also in 2006, the production portion of the study will begin in February with trials on multiple cut flower species in the high tunnel that will help determine the potential of several varieties of cut flowers for production in 2007. In 2007, research on high tunnel cut flower production will continue and an economic analysis on sales from various markets will be conducted.
The marketing research will look at the potential of early market sales from the existing farmers' market clientele, established flower subscription members, and the Aspen Fresh and Wild gourmet box delivery service located in the area.
