Little is guaranteed in the life of a flower farmer. Heat and humidity can wilt the sturdiest of petals; the frolicking deer of fairy tales can consume a yard-full of product overnight.


Little is guaranteed in the life of a flower farmer. Heat and humidity can wilt the sturdiest of petals; the frolicking deer of fairy tales can consume a yard-full of product overnight.

If the field is full, whether the flowers will sell becomes the primary concern. After harvesting, the shelf life of cut flowers varies depending on the variety and external conditions.  

“The idea of being a flower farmer, or even just working with flowers, is very romanticized,” said Rutigliano, of Hometown Flower Collective. “There’s definitely a lot more people playing with it. Now, who can do it 100% really speaks to how much time and energy they can put into it.”

The antidote to that inconsistency, for many, is the Community Supported Agriculture model, or CSA, by which customers pre-pay to receive regular allotments of a crop via subscription. 

In the summer months, Kevin Perry and his partners at North Fork Flower Farm sell an estimated 60 CSA flower subscriptions or more. The Southold farm also sells single bouquets and custom arrangements for floral designers or event organizers. 

“In a way, it’s the core of our business,” Perry said of the CSA flower subscriptions. “It is an important part of our business financially, and it is an important part of our identity.”

In its seventh growing season, the flower farm runs its CSA from approximately April through October. There are seasonal, monthly and weekly options, as well as the opportunity to arrange a custom CSA. One-quart mason jar bouquets sell for $25 per bouquet — or $100 a month on a weekly subscription — plus a delivery charge. 

“We’re still financially trying to find our market,” Perry said. “Everybody looks to find their own niche."

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