How to Grow a Thriving Cut Flower Garden
- Kathleen Ganster
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Cut flowers are used for just about every occasion— weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, proms, and funerals. You name it, flowers are appropriate to give and always a joy to receive.
As nice as flowers are to receive, it may be even more fun to grow your own cutting flowers. But what makes a good cutting flower?
“Essentially, a good cutting flower is one that will hold its shape, color, and form in a vase or arrangement for a period of time. Other considerations may include a floral element that has a specific scent, such as a garden rose,” said Becca Ringham, owner of Eleven Mile Farm.
Tom McMeekin, owner of Quality Gardens, suggested also considering the height of a flower. “A cutting flower is usually taller since you place it in a vase or a container,” he said.
Other considerations to keep in mind, according to Mark Miller, Ph.D., education and exhibits director at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, include longevity— the ability to look good for a long period in a vase after cutting; a sturdy stem— as it is hard to use flowers that do not have a sturdy stem; and being non-messy— the best cut flowers do not shed or drop bits and parts after cutting. “For example, spirea looks pretty but immediately drops petals and pieces after cutting,” he said.
Elizabeth Pisarcik, head grower at Pisarcik Farms, echoed the others’ thoughts. “I would say that the two main factors that make a flower a good cut flower are stem height and vase life,” she said.
Before you start planting, a successful cutting garden involves several considerations.
“Practical considerations such as soil quality, including nutrients and consistency are important to look at. We have a lot of clay soil here in our area, which tends to hold water. Adding compost and breaking up the clay matter can be beneficial. For nutritional needs, a soil test is always a good starting point to determine what amendments you might need,” Ringham said.
Like any garden, make sure there is accessibility to water. “Your plants will need water, especially when they are just getting started. Do you have access to a hose or irrigation? Will you have the time to water regularly?” she said.
The experts all weighed in on the light requirements for cutting flower gardens.
“How much time will your garden be in sunlight? It is always a good idea to observe a space for a season and watch how much light it gets. There are instruments that can measure sunlight exposure, but simply watching and keeping track of where and when the sunlight touches your garden will work,” Ringham suggested.
Garden pests must also be considered, according to McMeekin. “Deer and rabbits are always a challenge in our area. They can destroy a garden in no time,” he said. To ensure gardens are safe, have proper fencing or other measures in place. You can also consult garden centers for suggestions on plants that deter them. Ringham also advised to look out for other pests, such as aphids and grasshoppers.
Of course, choosing the flowers that you are going to plant is a big decision. McMeekin suggested easy-to-grow plants along with those that are repeat bloomers.
“Snapdragons, particularly the cutting variety that are taller and grow in colder temperatures, are always a good choice. Zinnias are always productive, and cockscomb is also popular,” he said. McMeekin also suggested that gardeners choose what they like. “As they always say, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ A lot of people love Queen Anne’s lace.”
Pisarcik suggested, “I would say that zinnias, ageratum, snapdragons, marigolds, and cosmos are good cut flowers for beginners because they are deer-resistant, fast growers, and produce a continual harvest.”
Thinking long-term is key, according to Ringham.
“A garden should hold interest all four seasons. Spring is fantastic for flowering bulbs and hardy annuals. Summer welcomes heat-loving workhorses. Fall shines with deepening hues. And even winter is compelling, as the shapes and forms of seed pods and grasses are beautiful to view,” she said.
Miller also suggested considering the colder months for growing.
“Many people disregard the winter months, but there are several woody plants that you can grow and cut branches from over the winter. For example, winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), contorted filbert (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’), or witch hazel (Hamamelis),” he said.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face that plot of dirt on your own. When planning your cutting garden—or any garden for that matter—experts at local gardening centers and shops are available for assistance. Several locations also offer workshops, including the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
“We offer classes about floral design, crafting, horticulture, and general gardening. An upcoming class is DIY Terrarium for Dad, for Father’s Day,” Miller said.
And while advice and plants are readily available at places like Quality Gardens and Pisarcik’s Garden Center, you can also take a shortcut and visit Pisarcik’s flower shop. “Of course, we sell our cut flowers there,” Pisarcik said.
For more information visit:
Quality Gardens, Inc.:
www.quality-gardens.com or 1-800-903-2770
Eleven Mile Farm:
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden:
www.pittsburghbotanicgarden.org or 412-444-4464
Pisarcik Garden Farm:
www.pisarcikflowerfarm.com or (724) 898-1434
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