From Seed to Success: The Inspiring Journey of a Flower Farmer

A florist in Lockport has turned her passion for flowers into a valuable guide for growing dahlias. Fran Parrish, the owner of Heirloom Soul Florals, has written “Growing Gorgeous Dahlias: The Regenerative Grower’s Guide.” This 200-page resource covers everything from the best spots for planting to soil preparation, pest control, harvesting, and storing tubers.

Dahlias, with their large, vibrant blooms, are beloved for both cutting and home gardening. “They’re real show stoppers,” says Carolyn Stanko, a professor of horticulture at SUNY Niagara. With so many petal shapes and colors, they offer endless possibilities for gardeners.

Parrish focuses on eco-friendly growing practices. Her farm holds a New York State Grown & Certified designation, which proves her commitment to environmental stewardship. She believes that customers today value sustainability. “They know when they buy from us, there’s no plastic wrapping,” she says. “Our flowers are grown using sustainable methods.”

Dahlias are perennials that grow from tubers, similar to potatoes. These tubers are planted in the spring, and within weeks, they can produce impressive blooms. However, they can’t survive freezing temperatures, so they’re lifted and stored during winter.

With their sturdy stems and longer vase life than roses, dahlias are a favorite in floral arrangements. They come in a rainbow of colors. “We’re seeing a trend toward vibrant purples and raspberries,” Stanko notes, adding that yellow remains a popular accent.

Parrish’s background as an architect shines through in her flower farm design. “It clicked for me,” she shares. “I could combine farming with design, and it inspired me to start my own business.”

On her 10-acre farm in Burt, she grows 80 rows of various flowers, including 200 peonies and 100 types of dahlias, along with zinnias, hydrangeas, and more. Some flowers, like milkweed, are mainly available through local farms due to their shipping challenges, boosting local demand.

As prices for imported cut flowers rise because of tariffs, Parrish encourages shoppers to support local farms. “Buying local keeps money in the community. Our flowers are picked fresh each morning, so they’re always at their best.”

For home gardeners looking to grow dahlias, Parrish offers key advice:

• Use fresh potting soil every year for the best growth. Brands like Fox Farm or Happy Frog are great choices.
• Keep the soil consistently moist. “When it has the right amount of water, it works better.”

For anyone interested in growing dahlias, Parrish’s book is a valuable resource available on the Heirloom Soul Florals website.

For further insights on sustainable practices in flower farming, check out reports from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.

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Fran Parrish, cut flower, growing dahlias, grower’s guide, Carolyn Stanko, dahlia tuber, dahlia tubers