Ask an Expert: Starting Ranunculus from Seed
2026-06-08 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
While ranunculus can be grown from corms, seed propagation offers an affordable and scalable way to diversify genetics, extend production windows, and experiment with unique varieties. This session takes a deep dive into the technical aspects of starting ranunculus from seed, with an emphasis on efficiency, uniformity, and transplant quality for cut flower production. Kelly Meringolo of InFlora Cut Flowers will walk through the entire process—from seed selection and pre-germination protocols to seedling management, timing, and transplanting. Participants will learn how to optimize temperature, light, and moisture for reliable germination; manage growth; and integrate seed-grown ranunculus into existing production systems. Real-world examples and data from growers trialing seed propagation will highlight both the challenges and the opportunities this method offers for commercial cut flower farms.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert webinars are recorded.
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Ask an Expert: Protecting Your Blooms: Frost Management for Cut Flower Farms
2026-07-13 20:00 - 21:00
Frost can devastate even the most carefully planned flower crops. In this practical, hour-long webinar, Grace Lam will discuss the proven frost-prevention techniques she uses at Fivefork Farms. Topics include understanding your own microclimate, selecting and deploying effective row covers, strategically using innovative heat sources, assessing potential vulnerabilities, and planning ahead. Participants will walk away with actionable methods to protect high-value crops, minimize losses, and extend the season with confidence.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert webinars are recorded.
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Ask an Expert: Water-Wise Farming - Mitigating Drought and Employing Strategic Irrigation in Cut Flower Production
2026-08-10 20:00 - 21:00
Presented by Laura Barth, American Floral Endowment Research Coordinator

Stay tuned for more information soon!
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert Webinars are recorded.
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Ask an Expert: Floral Design with Mermaid City Flowers
2026-09-14 20:00 - 21:00
Join Dee Hall Goodwin, farmer-florist and founder of Mermaid City Flowers, for an inspiring session on creating expressive, garden-forward floral designs. Dee will share her signature approach to working with seasonal, field-grown blooms, including color storytelling, intuitive arranging, and designing with movement and texture. Whether you’re a new florist or an experienced designer looking to reconnect with the artistry of local flowers, this webinar offers practical techniques, creative prompts, and plenty of real-world insight.

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert webinars are recorded.
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Ask an Expert: Gladioli as Cut Flowers
2026-10-19 20:00 - 21:00
Gladiolus are a high-impact addition to any cut flower program, offering vibrant color, vertical form, and strong market appeal. This webinar by expert Dr. Neil Anderson of the University of Minnesota covers the essentials of growing gladiolus for commercial cut flower production—from corm selection and planting schedules to harvest timing and postharvest handling. Discover novel flower colors, types, and dwarf varieties that make this classic plant perfect for modern uses. Learn how to optimize stem quality, manage pests and diseases, and plan successions for continuous bloom. Whether you’re adding gladiolus to diversify your offerings or scaling up an existing crop, this session provides practical insights to improve efficiency and profitability.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert webinars are recorded.
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Ask an Expert: Partnering with a Friend for Increased Efficiency and Sales
2026-11-09 20:00 - 21:00
Two Boots Farm and Hillen Homestead run almost the entirety of their florist sales and deliveries together (with a total of over $300k in sales), sharing the cost of a delivery driver and van. By working together, these two farms offer a lot more variety and volume for their collective customers, have a sounding board and thought partner, and help cover shortages when one of them oversells a product.
While larger cut flower collectives are an amazing opportunity, they aren’t feasible for everyone and the simplicity of working with just one or two other growers has some huge advantages. During this session, Maya Kosok of Hillen Homestead will share lessons learned, tips, what’s working well, challenges, and more about this arrangement in a way that others can adapt to their own needs.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All Ask an Expert webinars are recorded.
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