When you visit a greenhouse, do you head home with a flat full of pink or purple flowers?
If you do, you’re like the majority of greenhouse customers in the country, according to statistics shared in a horticulture marketing seminar by specialist Joyce Latimer.
Just like any small business owner, greenhouse owners must know their market demographic.
Lisa Showalter knows women make up the majority of her customers visiting Riverside Plants Greenhouse in Montezuma.
National statistics support her anecdotal evidence. In 2007, nearly 79 percent of garden consumers were women, according to the Society of American Florists.
But some of the recent trends were new to her. Read on to see if your choices are typical—and if you want to buck the trends.
In 2010, pink was the most popular color choice, followed by purple, blue and red.
Red, yellow and orange are projected to be hot-sellers in 2012 and not just in the horticulture world. Interior decorators, home and garden magazines and even the fashion and beauty industry are driving the trend towards vibrant vibes.
Most customers are decorators, not gardeners. Sales of large, mature plants in attractive containers are popular. Hanging baskets continue to sell well.
Customers are looking for low-risk, high-value hardy plants that are easy to care for.
Growing your own gains in popularity. Homegrown vegetables taste better and are less expensive than store-bought veggies. Sixty-four percent of greenhouse customers come to purchase vegetable plants. And tomatoes are always a top seller.
Perennials continue to be a favorite, primarily because of the one-time investment and good return.
Among annuals, marigolds and pansies are so yesterday. Impatiens and verbena are in.
