Floral Flavors: Understanding the Market for Edible Flowers

Edible Floral

Survey Questions

  • Do you grow and market edible flowers?
  • If yes, indicate the customer channels for your edible flowers.
  • List up to 5 of the top-selling edible flowers you grow

Survey Background

This Insight delves into a member survey conducted by The Slow Flowers Society, a distinguished organization that inspires the floral industry towards embracing local, seasonal, and sustainable practices. The respondents, primarily small business owners, provide unique perspectives that differ from typical consumer surveys, giving us a deeper understanding of the industry dynamics.

Flower Growers Answered

In the ever-evolving world of the floral industry, edible flowers stand out as a niche yet rapidly growing segment. Our recent survey sought to understand this trend by asking growers about their practices and market channels for edible flowers. The results provide an intriguing look into how these delicate, flavorful blossoms are integrating into various culinary avenues.

Firstly, the survey indicates a clear division in the industry regarding the cultivation of edible flowers: 36.92% of respondents grow and market them, while a majority of 63.38% do not. This split highlights the specialized nature of edible flower cultivation, possibly reflecting the additional considerations required, such as safety standards and specific consumer demands. For those who do venture into this segment, the pathways to market these flowers are diverse and tailored to various consumer needs.

Do you grow and market edible flowers?

If yes, indicate the customer channels for your edible flowers

The survey uncovers the most favored fragrant flowers among these business owners. Roses are at the forefront, chosen by 48.53%, followed by peonies and stock, reflecting both their popularity and market demand. Varieties like basil and lilacs, though less commonly grown, indicate niche preferences and the diversity within the fragrant flower market.

Percentage of Growers Growing a Specific Fragrant Flower

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Price as a factor is not corroborated by income and garden budget crosstabs

  • If price is a key factor, we’d expect it to be more important for smaller budgets & lower incomes
  • Instead, it’s actually gardeners with higher budgets that plant more frequently from seeds
  • To get a more complete picture, we’re working on crosstabs for Experience Level – stay tuned

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