South Island Grower Reports

Janefield Peonies (Mosgiel)

" The season has started well from the covered Peony crop planting, with export prices up a bit, mainly due to the improved exchange rate. Open grown crops in South Island are generally about 10 days away. Most peony growers have dropped out, leaving about 20 of the largest"

Greenhouse Florist (Mosgiel)

October has seen high cropping or Roses, Alstroemeria and Lilies with excellent sales compared to other years for October possibly due to good sunshine. Prices however remain the same. At the retail end sales are static and trade is still tough. The problems of having a large dairy sector in South Island has not been helping with customer spending.

Just a few things from down south, Christchurch.

I have talked with Alex Pascoe and things have come to a halt with the Coral Peonies at this stage this week, just because of a bit of cooler weather and they seem to be waiting for warmer days and then they will take off.

He is still aiming to have Gentians for Christmas.

Andrew Middleton said the same regards to the cooler days slowing things up. Still very dry for those who don’t have irrigation and due to last year’s draught numbers maybe the same but certainly not better. We normally get hot NW around show week in November and volumes will pick up very quickly as they seem to be just sitting waiting for warmth. He has no update on export prices but maybe Richard can find out as Nelson starts earlier than down here.

As for us at K & L Nurseries we have almost finished our spring replant of Gerbera and should be in full production before Christmas. White wash on glasshouses and we feel it maybe a long hot summer again.

Wedding demand has given prices a little lift in some areas/colours so hope to have some added interest when new colours come on line.

Notes from Richard in Nelson

For my part, the export market is showing some nice positive signs this season, with returns up, and orders coming in more frequently (healthier US market). As with John the Peony growers up this way are now underway with Corals now underway, causing the usual excitement in the local market.