Why doesn’t everyone grow this flower? (But I’m glad they don’t I’d be out of a job)

Lisianthus. Impossible to spell, hard to grow, confusing to harvest and a stem life that makes it all worth it. This crop is one of my favorites to see on Instagram and buy as a consumer but now that I grow them I see some of the roadblocks that don’t make this a farmers market favorite like the zinnias and dahlias. First of all unless you order in bulk the seeds and plugs are hard to source. Second not being a native to western north Carolina Carolina they don’t typically behave like perennials meaning you gotta order and plan financially to treat them as an annual. And finally they have a sophisticated look that isn’t super “cheery farmers bouquet” snd are much more of a specially cut flower than a lot of the farmers who grow flowers and produce are looking for. This is where farmer/ florists like us find a perfect niche. We are willing to take the less well known crops like this because a lot of our costumers are people that live for the thrill of adding a new verity to their flower memoir. I’m so great full for the growth we’ve had this summer and for the amazing customers, fellow farmers and friends that have been a part of it so far. Life is good and I still haven’t finished weeding.
-Margaret Dillon.