How to start a small-scale farm selling specialized varieties of edible flowers?
Edible flowers are a premium niche but growing in popularity among bakeries, cafes, and gourmet restaurants. To start:1. Choose Varieties – Marigold, nasturtium, rose, pansy, hibiscus, and lavender are popular. 2. Farming Method – Organic or hydroponic cultivation works best since buyers demand pesticide-free produce. 3. Market – Approach cake decorators, hotels, wedding planners, and Ayurveda shops. 4. Regulations – You’ll need a basic farm license and an FSSAI registration to sell as food. 5. Pricing – Since it’s niche, margins are high. Small packs can sell for ₹200–₹500. Start on a small plot or terrace farm and scale after demand stabilizes.
I supply edible flowers to cafes in Pune. The real trick is logistics. Flowers are delicate and have a very short shelf life. You’ll need:- A reliable cold storage or refrigerated transport option. - Strong relationships with 4–5 regular buyers instead of depending on random walk-ins. - Experiment with drying flowers for teas and garnishes. That extends shelf life and opens up online sales. Once you secure even 3 steady clients, the business becomes sustainable.