Welcome to Flower Farming in NZ—the podcast where we dig into the art of growing and selling beautiful blooms here in Aotearoa.
I’m your host Jo Robinson, a grower, flower lover, and passionate supporter of local, seasonal flowers. Whether you're just starting out , or you’re already knee-deep in growing and selling flowers, this podcast is for you.
Each episode, we’ll explore different aspects of growing flowers in New Zealand—from practical how-to guides and seasonal tips, to interviews with local growers, florists, and flower lovers across the country. Do join us on our flowery journey.
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Données mises à jour le 24/08/2026
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Healthy Soil, Better Flowers | Soil Biology with Nicky from Crop S3 E10
Saison 3 · Épisode 10
mardi 4 août 2026 • Durée 40:33
Healthy flowers begin with healthy soil—but what does that really mean?
In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, I sit down with Nicky from Crop to explore the fascinating world beneath our feet. We discuss how soil biology influences plant health, why understanding your soil test is so important, and how microbes, fungi, pH and organic matter all work together to produce stronger, healthier flowers.
Nicky also shares practical ways flower farmers can improve soil naturally, including the role of biochar, avoiding common phosphorus mistakes, and building resilient soils that support productive crops year after year.
Whether you're growing flowers commercially or simply want healthier plants in your garden, this episode will change the way you think about soil. It's all about healthy soil for flower farming.
Easy Ways to Support Our Work!
1) Subscribe
Subscribe to Flower Farming in New Zealand for practical conversations with growers, florists and industry experts from across New Zealand.
2) Share
If this episode helped you, please share it with another grower. Every recommendation helps strengthen New Zealand's flower farming community.
3) Donate
If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us continue sharing practical knowledge and connecting New Zealand's flower industry. The easiest way to donate is to Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
4) Comments and Likes
Comments and Likes really help the algorithm find us so that other flower farmers and growers can enjoy our content.
Finding Joy Through Nature, Community and Flowers S3 E9
Saison 3 · Épisode 9
jeudi 23 juillet 2026 • Durée 42:01
How Rachel Inger Built a Thriving Small Flower Farm
Join us as we explore Rachel Inger’s journey in flower farming, highlighting her adaptable approach to growing flowers in Hamilton's climate, and the importance of community and planning in flower farming success.
Listen to Rachel’s perspective on the joy of flower farming—building relationships, being outdoors, and creating a lifestyle that balances work and family.
• Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
• Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers
• Support Our Work!
• Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
• - Understand your unique growing conditions and adapt techniques accordingly.
• - Soil management is essential; consider your soil type and how it affects your crops.
• - Leverage local markets and social media to sell your flowers effectively.
• - Customize your approach based on experiences rather than just external advice.
Rachel Inger’s insights into flower farming provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the floral industry. By understanding your environment, managing your soil, and effectively reaching your market, you can thrive in this beautiful yet challenging field.
The Business of Flower Farming: Building a Profitable Flower Farm S3E8
Saison 3 · Épisode 8
mardi 7 juillet 2026 • Durée 50:03
In this episode of Flower Farming In NZ, Jo Robinson sits down with Julie Treanor, business coach, flower farmer and co-founder of the Floral Business Activator. We move past the "build it and they will come" trap to explore the marketing strategies that actually move the stems you are already growing.
Whether you’re a professional grower or scaling your commercial production, this conversation dives deep into the psychology of sales, value-based pricing, and how to stop being treated like a supermarket commodity.
In this episode, we discuss:
Selling Transformation, Not Just Stems: Why marketing the "joy" and emotional impact of your flowers is more effective than listing varieties.
The Commodity Trap: How to position your farm so you aren't competing with supermarket prices.
Professional Pricing: The psychology of under pricing and how to value your expertise.
Handling "Budget" Requests: Strategic ways to respond to price-sensitive customers without devaluing your work.
Reliable Marketing Channels: Why your email list and website are more critical than social media algorithms for consistent sales.
Classic, Timeless and Romantic: Inside the Search for the Perfect Rose S3 E7
Saison 3 · Épisode 7
lundi 22 juin 2026 • Durée 40:52
In this episode of Flower Farming in NZ, Jo Robinson is joined by Samantha Matthews of Matthews Nurseries, https://www.matthewsroses.co.nz/ a third-generation family business that has been growing roses since 1947. Samantha takes us behind the scenes of modern rose breeding, sharing the science, patience, and passion required to develop new rose varieties that are beautiful, healthy, and suitable for New Zealand gardens and flower farms.
From planting 50,000 seeds and selecting just a few hundred seedlings, to years of spray-free trials and evaluation, Samantha explains why developing a new rose can take more than a decade.
We discuss:
• How rose breeding works
• Why it can take up to 12 years to release a new rose
• The challenge of breeding fragrance and disease resistance together
• Spray-free rose trials and selecting the toughest plants
• What flower farmers should look for in a rose
• Vase life, stem quality, and picking performance
• Current colour and style trends in roses
• The story behind the popular rose My Mum
• Plant Variety Rights and protecting new varieties
• Crab apples for gardens and floristry
Whether you're a flower farmer, florist, gardener, or rose enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the work that goes into every new rose.
Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
Follow them on Instagram
Asking “Why Not” to Cultivate Resilience and Innovation in Organic Flower Farming S3 E6
Saison 3 · Épisode 6
samedi 6 juin 2026 • Durée 46:38
In this episode, Bronwyn from Seeds of Change in Darfield (Canterbury) shares her inspiring journey from health coach to innovative flower farmer and florist, emphasizing the importance of microclimate management, community support, and creative business models in sustainable farming.
Discover how she responds to “No” with “Why Not” as she navigates seasonal challenges, soil health, and market limitations with resilience and forward-thinking strategies.
Connect with Bronwyn on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.adamshooper/
Follow Flower Farming in NZ on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmingin_nz/
This episode offers valuable insights for small-scale farmers seeking sustainable and resilient practices, as well as creative ways to serve their community through garden-based experiences and diversified crops.
Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freshcutflowerwholesalers/
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:· Advertising in an episode· Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can · Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
Key Topics:•
Building resilience through diversified microclimates, tunnel houses, and community networks
Integrating organic principles with community engagement via "pick your own" and experience-based flower events
The impact of environmental factors like wind and frost on farm design and crop success
Strategies for managing hail damage and the importance of undercover infrastructure
Creating a balanced farm with both food and floral production, emphasizing the joy of creating with flowers
The cultural shift needed to foster mentorship, collaboration, and resilience among flower farmers in New Zealand
Flower Farming for Beginners in New Zealand: Tools, Selling & Growing Smarter S3E5
Saison 3 · Épisode 5
dimanche 24 mai 2026 • Durée 49:20
Thinking about starting your own flower farm, or trying to scale up your current backyard plots?
In this episode, host Jo Robinson sits down with math-teacher and flower farmer Penelope from Martinborough Manor. Together they strip back the glossy Instagram filters and talk about the real, grit-and-graft basics of flower farming.
From the exact trays and tools that save your body to the financial pitfalls most new growers ignore, Jo and Penelope cover what it takes to run a profitable floral business.
You will learn why local weather data overrides international advice, how to avoid a "seed stash" addiction, and why pulling out blooming plants is sometimes the smartest business decision you can make.
TRACK LIST & TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Weed mat debates and irrigation setups
02:00 - Must-read flower farming books
04:12 - Succession planting explained
05:01 - Seed starting on a budget (Trays vs. blockers)
07:39 - Truth about heat mats, lights, and DIY greenhouses
11:32 - Field tools: Dibblers and Niwashi “choppy chops”
14:12 - Body-saving hacks: Tool pouches and modified tractors
20:50 - Best flower farming courses and networks
23:57 - Tracking expenses: Xero vs. basic spreadsheets
27:05 - Sales psychology: Retail, wholesale, and markets
30:30 - The Martinborough Manor seed planning spreadsheet
37:38 - Planting foliage and scaling with seedlings
41:01 - Taming seed stashes and regional crop failures
47:09 - Ditching Instagram perfectionism and final grower advice
Connect with our Sponsors - Fresh Cut Flower Wholesalers
Floristry Without Limits: Weddings, Workshops & World Travel with Cerina “The Flower Scout” S3E4
Saison 3 · Épisode 4
dimanche 26 avril 2026 • Durée 48:57
In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson sits down with Perth-based florist, writer, and global flower enthusiast Cerina Triglavcanin—also known as The Flower Scout.
What started as a frustration with school ball corsages turned into a full-blown floristry career, international travel, and a writing platform documenting flower festivals, workshops, and design inspiration across the globe.
Cerina shares how she built her skills from scratch, why she chose events over retail floristry, and how she combines freelancing, travel, and storytelling into a unique and evolving career in flowers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Starting a Floristry Career Later in Life
Why Cerina skipped retail floristry for events
Freelancing in Event Floristry
The flexibility (and unpredictability) of freelance work
Designing with Intention - Fewer ingredients = higher design pressure and more intentional selection.
Cerina’s signature approach:
• Monochromatic palettes
• “En masse” floral use
• Limiting designs to three key ingredients
• Sculptural forms and strong line work
Cerina shares her experiences attending:
• International flower festivals
• High-level floral workshops
• Large-scale installation events
• Why workshops are as much about people as they are about technique
From Florist to Writer: Building “The Flower Scout”
• How Cerina began writing for Flowers Magazine Australia
The Good, the Bad, and the Bleurgh: Realities from the 2025-26 NZ Flower Farming Season S3E3
Saison 3 · Épisode 3
lundi 13 avril 2026 • Durée 29:42
In this episode, Jo Robinson shares insights from flower farmers across New Zealand, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and practical lessons for future planning.
Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, these real-world experiences offer valuable takeaways to refine your strategies and boost resilience.
It was a season of "strange weather," featuring early heatwaves, torrential rain, and unexpected hail.
Our thanks to Egmont Seeds for providing some of the images used in this episode.
In this episode:
• Key factors influencing season outcomes
• Common challenges like weather extremes, pests, and crop failures
• Successful crop choices and sales channels
• Practical tips on crop management, pest control, and planting schedules
• Planning for next season based on this year’s lessons
• The importance of resilience and adaptability
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and season overview for flower growers
01:03 - Astrid’s experience at Gulf Harbour
01:33 - Vicky’s weather extremes in Northland
02:13 - Ellie’s slow start using fertiliser teas for flower production
02:51 - Melanie’s rainy season challenges and landscape-growing approach
03:31 - Daisy’s first year in cut flowers and learning curves
04:00 - Penelope’s season as an experienced grower
04:29 - Sophia’s organic practices and rapid early season growth in Canterbury
Mastering the Greenhouse Environment: S3 E2
Saison 3 · Épisode 2
mardi 24 mars 2026 • Durée 39:44
Mastering the Greenhouse Environment
Explore the intricacies of horticultural infrastructure and climate-adapted gardening in this conversation with Bruce Thurlow, a seasoned educator and horticulturist from Otago Polytechnic. Bruce shares practical insights on greenhouse management, greenhouse infrastructure, pest control and tools for growing sustainably amid changing climates.
In this episode:
The different greenhouse types and their environmental control systems, from mist houses to heated benches
The significance of environment manipulation—water, airflow, and light control—in plant growth
How to leverage technology like Wi-Fi enabled controllers for irrigation and germination chambers
The challenges and solutions for pest management in greenhouses, emphasising visual inspections
The importance of understanding plant-specific needs
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Bruce's background
04:00 - Greenhouse infrastructure and types
08:00 - Environmental control in greenhouses
12:00 - Pest management strategies
16:00 - Transitioning to dry gardens
20:00 - Principles of dry garden design
24:00 - Water management and irrigation setup
28:00 - Soil and growing media choices
32:00 - Propagation techniques and timing
36:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts
Resources & Links:
• Otago Polytechnic
Practical Horticulture Meets Smart Market Decisions at Huhu Gardens
Saison 3 · Épisode 1
dimanche 8 mars 2026 • Durée 47:49
Season 3 Episode 1: In this episode of Flower Farming in New Zealand, Jo Robinson chats with Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens in Huntly, a grower who has built a successful flower business by combining practical horticulture knowledge with smart market decisions.
Mike shares his journey from nursery work and dairy farming to commercial flower farming, explains how his unique microclimate influences what he grows, and dives deep into practical production strategies for ranunculus, anemones, hydrangeas, and marigolds.
The conversation covers everything from greenhouse design and plant spacing to selling through wholesalers, giving listeners real-world insights into running a profitable flower farm in New Zealand.
Whether you're a new grower, an experienced flower farmer, or simply love learning about how flowers are produced, this episode is packed with valuable advice.
In This Episode Jo and Mike discuss:
How Huhu Gardens got its memorable name
Mike’s journey from nursery growing to milking 800 cows to running a flower farm
Transitioning from export hydrangeas to selling foliage locally
Why ranunculus and anemones are valuable early-season crops
The tunnel house setup that produces longer, high-quality stems
Growing marigolds for the wholesale market
Selling flowers through wholesalers vs auctions
Managing quality control and reputation in the flower market
Why foliage can sometimes be more profitable than flowers
Growing in a warm Huntly microclimate (with bananas and citrus!)
The importance of volume, consistency, and market demand
Why new flower farmers should talk to wholesalers before planting
Lessons learned from 20+ years in the flower industry
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction
• Key words:
• #flowerfarminginNZ
• #nzflowergrowers
• #nzflorists
• #sustainablefloristry
• #sustainableflowerfarming
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Rachel and her flower farm
02:09 - Rachel’s farm size, layout, and soil conditions
This episode underscores how adaptable, community-oriented, and strategic flower farming can be—no matter your climate.
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: TK8ZPB5HGGMOS9MD, B4YGMZVPSREJYW0K
Spotify Show Notes:
Detailed Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Season Sponsor 1:15 - Meet Julie Trainer: From Business Coach to Flower Farmer 5:50 - The Marketing Mistake: "Build it and they will come" 13:05 - The Profit Reality: Revenue vs. Paying Yourself 21:10 - The Psychology of Under
pricing & Valuing Your Work 23:45 - Marketing 101: Features vs. Transformation 25:30 - Understanding the "Why": Why Customers Actually Buy Flowers 28:50 - Market Perception: Being Known for Quality vs. "Cheap" 29:45 - How to Handle "Budget" Wedding Inquiries 31:25 - Finding Your "Why" as a Business Anchor 35:50 - Why Your Email List Beats Social Media for Sales 41:05 - Rapid Fire: Profitable Crops and Marketing Myths 47:30 - The Hard Truth: To have a business, you must do business 49:50 - Closing Thoughts
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
• Inkbird Temperature Controllers
This episode demonstrates that sustainable, climate-adapted horticulture relies on a combination of infrastructure, observation, and ecological understanding. When managing high-tech greenhouses the core principle remains: right plant, right place, right environment.
Connect with Our Sponsors: Freshcut Flower Wholesalers. Follow them on Instagram @freshcutflowerwholesalers
Support Our Work!
Don’t forget, if you like the way we are connecting the NZ Flower Farming Community, you can support our work by:
· Advertising in an episode
· Sponsoring an episode or a season or you can
· Buy us a Coffee (make a donation) following this link https://coff.ee/flowerfarmersinnz
Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele
Key words:
#flowerfarminginNZ
#nzflowergrowers
#nzflorists
#sustainablefloristry
#sustainableflowerfarming
00:02 Meet Mike Foster from Huhu Gardens
02:50 From nursery work to dairy farming to flower farming
04:00 Early crops: callas, statice, and hydrangeas
05:00 Growing ranunculus and anemones in tunnels
07:00 Plant spacing and production volumes
10:00 Tunnel house design and microclimate mesh
13:00 Seasonal crop schedule at Huhu Gardens
15:00 Growing the Coco series marigolds
16:40 Hydrangeas: export markets and shifting to foliage
19:00 Selling through wholesalers vs auctions
21:00 Maintaining quality and grower reputation
24:00 Hydrangea production and shade growing
28:00 Chiller management and flower storage
30:00 Rainfall and climate differences across NZ
33:00 Summer weather challenges and storms
36:00 Growing gypsophila and amaranthus
40:00 Ranunculus production tips and disease management
44:00 Using shade cloth in tunnels
46:00 Advice for new flower farmers
50:00 Lessons from decades in flower farming
54:00 Growing lavender and enjoying the farm
About the Podcast
Flower Farming in New Zealand explores the realities of growing flowers commercially across New Zealand’s diverse climates. Hosted by Jo Robinson, the podcast features growers, florists, and industry experts sharing practical advice and real experiences.
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