On this episode of The Flower Files, we’re planting seeds of success with a conversation that many flower farmers, gardeners, and growers will appreciate. Liza sits down with team members from GeoSeed, Park Seed, and Twilley Seed to talk about seed sourcing, cut flower trends, plugs and liners, catalog changes, and what it takes to support growers season after season.
For many of us in the flower farming world, seed catalogs are more than ordering tools. They are inspiration, education, planning guides, and sometimes a little bit like stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. GeoSeed especially has long been known as a go-to source for flower farming seeds, unusual varieties, and hard-to-find cut flower options.
From GeoSeed to Park Seed: A Growing Legacy
This episode begins with a little history. GeoSeed started small, with just a handful of customers, and grew over decades into a trusted seed source for professional growers, flower farmers, and gardeners. What began with a tight team and a deep commitment to customer service became a catalog full of variety, knowledge, and opportunity.
Today, GeoSeed, Twilley Seed, Park Seed, Park Wholesale, Wayside Gardens, Jackson & Perkins, and more all operate under the larger JPPA umbrella. That means growers now have access to an even broader range of seeds, plugs, liners, live goods, and wholesale growing resources.
Seeds, Plugs, Liners, and One Easier Ordering Process
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is how ordering is becoming easier for growers. With GeoSeed, Twilley, and Park Wholesale coming together, customers will be able to place more items on one combined order.
That means flower farmers may be able to source cut flower seeds, plugs, liners, and other growing needs through one streamlined system. For growers who are constantly deciding whether to start from seed, order plugs, or work with liners, this is a huge improvement.
Why Seed Selection Matters
Seed selection is one of the most important decisions we make as growers. The varieties we choose impact our crop timing, color palettes, wedding work, market bouquets, germination success, and overall profitability.
GeoSeed has long been known for offering hard-to-find varieties. From Lisianthus and Bells of Ireland to eucalyptus, zinnias, stock, digitalis, and sunflowers, the catalog gives growers access to both trusted staples and exciting new possibilities.
Catalog Changes and SKU Numbers
The team also shared that the new catalog includes updated item numbers and SKU numbers to make ordering easier. For anyone who has ever written out a full variety name, color, quantity, and form by hand, this is welcome news.
Each color will have its own SKU, helping simplify mail-in orders, phone orders, and the overall customer service process.
Trends in Cut Flowers and Home Gardening
Cut flowers are not just for professional flower farmers anymore! The Park Seed team shared that even home gardeners are showing more interest in growing flowers for cutting.
Popular and trending flowers include:
- Lisianthus
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Stock
- Digitalis
- Eucalyptus
Zinnias continue to grow in popularity because of their wide color range, especially the softer pastel tones. Sunflowers remain one of the most reliable and profitable crops for many growers because of their fast turnaround and strong germination. Stock is also gaining attention for its fragrance, color range, and usefulness in floral design.
Pelletized Seed and Tiny Seed Challenges
Any grower who has opened a packet of tiny seed knows the struggle. Some seeds are so small they feel like dust, making sowing difficult and sometimes stressful.
The team explained that seed suppliers often make the decision about whether seed is available raw or pelletized. When pelletized seed is available, they usually choose it because it is easier for customers to sow and easier for the company to package.
Lisianthus, snapdragons, and some digitalis varieties are examples of seeds that may be available in pelletized form, making life much easier for growers.
The Future of Flower Farming Seeds
One fascinating part of the conversation was learning how far in advance new seed varieties are planned. New introductions are often shared with seed companies years before they are available to growers. That means the varieties we see in future catalogs have already gone through a long process of breeding, selection, and planning.
Seed companies rely on breeders, suppliers, industry research, and trend forecasting to decide what to carry. They consider color palettes, gardening trends, cut flower demand, and the needs of both professional growers and home gardeners.
Every seed packet is a much bigger story.
There are breeders, suppliers, catalog teams, customer service representatives, warehouse teams, growers, and gardeners all connected through the simple act of planting.
Whether we’re growing Lisianthus, sunflowers, stock, eucalyptus, zinnias, or something completely new to us, the resources we choose matter. Companies like Park Seed, GeoSeed, and Twilley help make those choices possible by giving flower farmers and gardeners access to seeds, plugs, liners, and varieties that support our growing dreams.
At The Flower Files, we love conversations that connect the people behind the plants with the growers who depend on them. This episode is a beautiful look at how seeds move from catalog pages into soil, and eventually into the bouquets, gardens, and businesses we love.
