What is the definition of organic?
The meaning of organic is anything that is natural, or related to, nature. In this context it describes anything grown without artificial pesticides or fertilisers. But what makes flowers organic?
There is more to organic flowers than just growing them without chemicals. Organic flower growers also rely on traditional methods such as crop rotation or choosing flowers that have built-in pest resistance. They can also fall back on pesticides made from natural ingredients, all of which have to be certified by the Soil Association.
How do organic flowers benefit the environment?
Growing organically is hugely beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity. According to the Soil Association, over half of the UK’s wildlife species have declined in the past fifty years, organic growing attracts pollinators, not just bees, but moths, wasps, hoverflies and beetles, and in doing so supports biodiversity. This also benefits the grower as the more pollinating insects the flowers attract, the greater the yield. It’s an all round holistic approach to growing.
Growing organically is also good for the soil; flowers are not grown as intensively so the soil is not exhausted and depleted of nutrients. Crop rotation has an important part to play in retaining the soil’s goodness.
Can anyone grow organic flowers?
The rules on growing organically are very specific, to be certified as organic, flowers have to be grown on soil that has had no prohibited substances, such as synthetic fertilizers, applied to it for three years prior to the first harvest.
How do you know that flowers have been grown organically?
Currently, there are no legal binds to the term ‘grown organically’ but growers that have been certified by the Soil Association, however, should have its logo on display. This symbol indicates that the flowers grown have met a strict set of legal requirements, ensuring flower farming to the highest environmental standards.
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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
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