Here’s a challenge many perennial growers face each year. This phenomenon can occur throughout the year, but it is more prevalent between fall and early spring. I’ve observed it inside certain types of structures but would say it mostly happens in outside production sites. 

Hot off the press! The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) just published the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties. The Census is only conducted every five years, and it includes reports from producers with $10,000 or more in sales of horticultural specialties in 2024. 

Marvin always does a great job pulling the key numbers out of these types of reports. Let’s build on his summary and dial in more specifically to the perennial side of the industry.

Having strong perennial sales nationally is great, but there is so much more data the Census results provide. I like to look at where perennials are being grown, and I must admit, I found a couple of surprises. Let’s see if you feel the same.

While looking at the top states for perennials sales, I thought it would be interesting to also look at the Top 10 States by growing areas or how much growing area is designated to perennial production within each state.  

Lastly, I’m always asked what the top selling perennials are, so I thought it would be fitting to show you what the Census results show:

I shared this image at the top of the newsletter and asked if you knew what was causing the pots to be displaced. Do you think the random removal of pots was caused by a miniature tornado? Or perhaps you think the neighborhood kids are playing mind games with you. If I told you neither of those answers were correct, what would your next answer be? How about I share two more images before you lock in your final answer?