Evaluation of High Tunnel and Field Produced Specialty Cut Flowers in the Northern Great Plains
Abstract
The demand for local sustainably grown produce and flowers has increased (Low et al., 2015), and stimulated a growing interest in high tunnel production. The goal of this research project was to evaluate the production of cut flowers in high tunnel structures and in the field in the Northern Great Plains (NGP) region. The NGP offers unique climatic and environmental challenges based on its continental climate. Specialty cut flower cultivars Karma Irene and Chocolate dahlia (Dahlia x hybrida), Potomac White and Rocket Mix snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), and Mariachi Misty Blue, Echo Blue and ABC2 lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) were planted in both field and high tunnel environments at two soil temperature setpoints in the NGP to determine which of the selected crops are best suited for cut flower production. Our results indicate higher yields and more consistent quality in the high tunnel; however, the field was suitable for all species investigated.