73% increase in Virginia flower farms

The craft of cultivating beauty is blossoming across the commonwealth. There are around 320 Virginia farms growing cut flowers and florist greens today — a 73% increase from 184 farms in 2017. Floriculture ranked 11th among Virginia’s top farm commodities, generating over $132 million in cash receipts in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Erin Small, a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Prince Edward County, unearthed a growing interest in cultivating cut flowers while hosting floral design workshops for home gardeners.

“I think people are looking for a connection,” she mused. “They’re looking for avenues to be creative — especially since COVID when people were at home, looking for things to do, and trying to get in touch with their land and food system.”

Hoping to offer needed connectivity and support, Small launched the Cut Flower Discussion Group in 2024, which now includes around 260 growers — a majority of which are beginning farmers. The group offers field tours, vendor fairs, educational sessions and informal gatherings connecting participants with Extension resources, growers and industry representatives. Small also hosts online floral design contests, and is launching a grower-led podcast called The Flower Hour to expand accessibility.