10/02/2026
This year’s important test run shows how late into the season fresh flowers can be available while using this fairly simple growing method.
Yesterday was October 1st and there was an abundance of fresh healthy flowers in the field.
If you remember the weather conditions from last weeks nor’easter - cold, damp, and dark - this trio is only good news for fungus, the flowers mortal enemy.
By pushing this second planting late, the young healthy plants were able to mostly fend off the fungus.
Some leaves were affected, but ultimately the leaves don’t matter because they are stripped.
The flower heads remained in fresh lush condition and even took a boost from the 70-80 degree days following the storm.
Based on the health of the plants, I think there is no question they will be good until the freeze which is typically around October 31st…
The green fragrance plants, such as mint, tarragon, lemon balm, remain healthy as their routine harvesting always leaves fresh and healthy growth. They also are much less susceptible to fungus as they are not as delicate as a flower tends to be.
The dahlias, planted much later in the season than typical, are still pushing a bountiful amount of stems. They seem to be totally unaffected by the fungus, likely because they are young. While much more difficult to grow than the other “nightshade-like” flowers, and less abundant, I know I won’t be able to refrain from torturing myself to care for the dahlias another year.
Based on my findings from this year, I believe I have a solid game plan for the timing of plantings for next year. This gives me the confidence to bet on a larger planting and processing operation, which I believe will be large enough to become economically viable.
