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History
The Cut flower project
did not exist prior to 1994. Heliconia, Caribbean
Pink Anthurium and Ginger Lilies were used sparingly in the home and at funerals. Attempts were made by the owners of Mamiku Estate to export the ginger lily to the United Kingdom, the United States and other temperate countries. Their attempts proved futile, but after much trial and error, they mastered the art of preserving flower quality during long shipments. Florists and flower growers were few. Cleticia Xavier, Horace Giraudy, Winnie Flossac, Cam Rapier, Fita Alleyne and Purchase were the innovators of the industry.
Hybrid Anthurium in shade houses was introduced in 1975 with planting material from Jamaica. This was short lived because a bacterial disease (Xanthomonas) devastated the
crop. In addition to Hybrid Anthurium, a large amount of foreign exchange was spent on the importation of Chrysanthemum, Carnation and Babies Breath Roses. This on imported material continued into the 1980’s. By the early 1990’s, the Ministry, as part of their Agricultural Diversification Programme, maid two attempts to encourage farmers to produce flowers. The emphasis then was on Ginger Lily and Caribbean Pink Anthurium, with some attempts at the marketing of these flowers.
The present day project was conceived in 1993. By 1994, support of the French Technical Mission and then the Agricultural Technical Mission of the Republic of China on Taiwan,
the project gained momentum. Hybrid Anthuriums were re-introduced. The planting material was imported directly from the source – Holland; Ginger Lilies were propagated and distributed and Orchid plantlets were imported. Limonium was introduced and the cultivation of Bird of Paradise, Roses and Ginger Lilies were exported. Cartons for the shipping of flowers through the intervention of the French Mission.
Traditionally, flower sale was predominantly for funerals and festivals. Through radio and
television promotional activities, increased awareness of the capability and potential of the industry have increased local purchases; and interest in the project, and cultivation by farmers. Concentration at present is on sustaining the production and local marketing of Anthurium, Orchids, Ginger Lilies, and Heliconias, with planned reintroduction of Limonium, Roses. Capturing a Ginger Lily market is the present focus of the project.
The main challenge facing is the sustenance of the marketing (local and export) of flowers
by maintaining the production of quality flowers. This will be possible only through reliable water supply and irrigation facilities; and the zoning of flower producing areas. Continued promotional activities to ensure public interests for local flower purchases and improving the entrepreneurial ability of producers to offer flower packages to Cruise Ship passengers, engaging in Internet sales, Federal Expressing bouquets, and other methods of flower disposal. The growth of the industry until it is self-sustaining with total farmer control is the goal for the new millennium.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION
Environmental requirement: The use of
shade fabric is necessary particularly for Anthurium and Orchid production to create the light intensity and humidity needed.
Growing medium: A soil – less
but well aerated medium is essential for those plants whose roots are of paramount importance – anthuriums and orchids.
Fertilizer: High phosphate
fertilizer is needed initially (for some plants), followed by a concentration on nitrogenous mixes, then potash.
Irrigation: Water is indispensable
to the growth and production of ornamentals. It affects the quantity and quality of cut flower as well as for the extension of their shelf life.
Pest and disease control:
Integrated pest and disease control, in particular, ants in ginger lilies, slugs in orchids and ginger lilies,
caterpillars in anthuriums, fungi in anthuriums, orchids, roses and gladioli. These pest and disease are of economical importance to these plants.
Market:
Local consumption and demand is yet to be satisfied.
Export potential exists primarily for the locally adapted types of Hybrid Anthuriums, Caribbean Pink Anthuriums, Orchids, Ginger Lilies, and
Heliconias.
Price of blooms on the local market
 Hybrid Anthuriums $1.50EC to $3.00EC per flower
Caribbean Pink Anthuriums $0.50EC to $1.25EC per flower
Orchids $3.50EC to $5.00EC per spike
Ginger Lilies $0.50EC to $1.25EC per flower
Heliconias $0.50EC to $6.00EC per flower
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