A Comprehensive Guide to Flower Growing in Ecuador
Ecuador has established itself as one of the world's premier flower-growing destinations, ranking as the third-largest flower exporter globally. The country's unique geographical and climatic conditions make it exceptionally well-suited for cultivating high-quality flowers. This Just Bloom HK guide covers everything you need to know about flower growing in Ecuador.
Why Ecuador is Ideal for Flower Growing
Geographic Advantages
Ecuador's location on the equator provides several critical advantages for flower cultivation:
Consistent Daylight: The country receives approximately 12 hours of daylight year-round, ensuring uniform growing conditions throughout the year. This consistency allows for predictable production schedules and eliminates the seasonal variations that affect other regions.
Altitude: Most flower farms are located in the Andean highlands, typically between 2,400 and 3,000 meters (7,800 to 9,800 feet) above sea level. This elevation provides cooler temperatures that slow flower growth, resulting in larger blooms, stronger stems, and more vibrant colors.
Climate: The combination of intense sunlight due to proximity to the equator and cooler temperatures from high altitude creates ideal growing conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15-24°C (59-75°F), with cool nights that help flowers develop their characteristic features.
Volcanic Soil: Ecuador's volcanic soil is naturally rich in nutrients and has excellent drainage properties, reducing the need for extensive fertilization and preventing root diseases.
Primary Growing Regions
Cayambe-Tabacundo Region
Located northeast of Quito in Pichincha Province, this is Ecuador's most important flower-growing area. The region benefits from:
Optimal altitude (2,800-3,000 meters)
Proximity to Quito's international airport for quick export
Abundant water resources from nearby glaciers
Ideal microclimate conditions
Cotopaxi Province
The areas around Latacunga and Salcedo are major flower production centers, known particularly for rose cultivation. The region offers similar climatic advantages to Cayambe with slightly different microclimates that suit various flower varieties.
Other Regions
Smaller production areas exist in Imbabura, Azuay, and Cañar provinces, each offering unique conditions for specialized flower cultivation.
Most Commonly Grown Flowers
Roses
Roses are Ecuador's flagship flower export, renowned worldwide for their size, stem length, and longevity. Ecuadorian roses can have stems exceeding 1 meter in length with bloom heads significantly larger than roses grown elsewhere.
Popular varieties include:
Freedom (red)
Vendela (white)
High & Magic (bi-color)
Cherry O (pink)
Mondial (white)
Forever Young (red)
Growing considerations:
Require full sun exposure
Need well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Optimal growing temperature: 15-25°C
Regular pruning to encourage strong stems
Careful pest management, particularly for thrips and spider mites
Gypsophila (Baby's Breath)
Ecuador is the world's largest producer of gypsophila, which thrives in the country's high-altitude conditions.
Growing requirements:
Cooler temperatures than roses (12-20°C optimal)
Well-drained alkaline soil
Full sun exposure
Minimal fertilization needs
Harvest when 60-70% of flowers are open
Summer Flowers
This category includes a diverse range of species:
Delphinium
Lisianthus
Asters
Alstroemeria
Limonium
Solidago
Chrysanthemums
These flowers often require more specialized growing conditions and command premium prices in international markets.
Establishing a Flower Farm
Site Selection
When choosing a location for flower cultivation:
Altitude: Aim for 2,400-3,000 meters for optimal rose production. Higher altitudes (up to 3,200 meters) work well for gypsophila and some summer flowers.
Water Access: Consistent water supply is critical. Proximity to rivers, lakes, or reliable groundwater sources is essential. Consider water quality, as high mineral content can affect flower development.
Soil Quality: Conduct thorough soil testing before planting. Ideal soil should have:
pH between 6.0-6.5 for most flowers
Good drainage
High organic matter content
Low salinity
Infrastructure Access: Proximity to major roads and airports is crucial for timely export. Most successful farms are within 2-3 hours of Quito's international airport.
Greenhouse Construction
Modern flower production in Ecuador relies heavily on greenhouse cultivation to protect crops and control growing conditions.
Greenhouse types:
Open-sided greenhouses: Most common in Ecuador, featuring plastic roofs with open or mesh sides. These provide rain protection while allowing natural ventilation and taking advantage of the mild climate.
Fully enclosed greenhouses: Used for premium production or in areas with more challenging climates. These allow complete environmental control but require significant investment in ventilation and climate control systems.
Construction considerations:
Orient greenhouses east-west to maximize light exposure
Use UV-stabilized plastic that lasts 3-4 years
Install adequate drainage systems
Plan for efficient irrigation infrastructure
Include pest exclusion netting on open sides
Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation is standard in Ecuadorian flower production, offering:
Precise water delivery
Reduced water waste
Ability to deliver nutrients through fertigation
Lower disease pressure compared to overhead watering
Install water storage tanks to ensure consistent supply and allow water temperature adjustment before irrigation.
Cultivation Practices
Soil Preparation
Proper soil preparation is fundamental to successful flower growing:
Deep plowing: Break up compacted layers to 40-50 cm depth
Organic matter incorporation: Add compost or well-rotted manure at 20-30 tons per hectare
Soil amendment: Adjust pH if necessary using lime or sulfur
Bed formation: Create raised beds 20-30 cm high for improved drainage
Pre-plant fumigation: Consider soil sterilization for disease management in intensive production
Planting
Roses: Typically planted using grafted plants on disease-resistant rootstock
Spacing: 20-25 cm between plants in double rows
Plant density: 6-8 plants per square meter
Planting depth: Graft union should be 5-10 cm below soil surface
Gypsophila: Grown from seed or cuttings
Spacing: 15-20 cm between plants
Multiple plants per hole (3-4) to create fuller appearance
Summer flowers: Varies by species, generally requiring wider spacing than roses
Fertilization
Ecuadorian flower farms typically use intensive fertilization programs:
Roses:
Base NPK ratio of 20-20-20 during vegetative growth
Adjust to 15-30-15 during flowering
Apply 200-300 kg NPK per hectare per year
Supplement with calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients
Fertigation: Deliver nutrients through irrigation systems with each watering at reduced concentrations
Organic alternatives: Some farms are adopting organic production methods using compost teas, bone meal, and other natural fertilizers to access premium markets.
Pest and Disease Management
Ecuador's climate limits some pest pressure but creates challenges for others:
Common pests:
Thrips: Major rose pest causing flower deformation
Spider mites: Particularly problematic in dry conditions
Aphids: Affect new growth and flowers
Whiteflies: Common in enclosed greenhouses
Leafminers: Damage foliage
Disease challenges:
Botrytis (gray mold): Most serious in high humidity
Powdery mildew: Common on roses
Downy mildew: Affects roses in humid conditions
Bacterial infections: Particularly in propagation areas
Management strategies:
Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs
Use biological controls when possible (predatory mites, parasitic wasps)
Maintain greenhouse hygiene
Scout regularly for early pest detection
Rotate chemical controls to prevent resistance
Control humidity through ventilation
Remove infected plant material promptly
Climate Management
Even in Ecuador's favorable climate, managing the greenhouse environment is crucial:
Temperature control:
Ventilate during hot days to maintain optimal temperatures
Use shade cloth during periods of intense sunlight
Close vents at night to retain warmth in colder months
Humidity management:
Ventilate to reduce humidity and prevent disease
Time irrigation for morning hours to allow foliage to dry
Space plants adequately for air circulation
Light management:
Generally no supplemental lighting needed due to equatorial location
Use shade cloth to prevent flower burning during peak intensity
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest Timing
Roses: Harvest when the first two petals begin to unfold but the bud is still relatively tight. This stage ensures the flower will open properly after transport.
Gypsophila: Harvest when 60-70% of flowers are open. Too early harvest results in poor opening; too late reduces vase life.
Summer flowers: Timing varies by species but generally harvest in early morning when stems are fully hydrated.
Harvest Procedures
Timing: Harvest early morning when temperatures are cool and stems are turgid
Cutting: Use sharp, clean shears to make angled cuts
Cut length: Maximize stem length while maintaining plant health
Immediate hydration: Place stems in clean water with preservatives immediately
Shade: Keep harvested flowers out of direct sunlight
Post-Harvest Processing
Speed and temperature management are critical to maintaining flower quality:
Cold chain: Flowers must be cooled to 2-4°C within hours of harvest and maintained at this temperature until delivery.
Processing steps:
Reception: Bring flowers to processing facility
Grading: Sort by stem length, flower size, and quality
Trimming: Cut stems to uniform lengths
Leaf removal: Remove lower leaves that would be underwater
Treatment: Treat with preservative solutions
Bunching: Group flowers in standard bunch sizes (typically 25 stems)
Sleeving: Protect flowers with paper or plastic sleeves
Boxing: Pack carefully in specialized flower boxes
Cooling: Move immediately to cold storage at 2-4°C
Quality control: Inspect for pests, diseases, and defects throughout processing. Export markets have zero tolerance for pest contamination.
Export Considerations
Ecuador's flower industry is export-focused, with over 95% of production destined for international markets.
Major Export Markets
United States: The largest market, receiving about 50% of exports
Russia: Second-largest market, particularly for premium roses
Europe: Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and UK are key markets
Other markets: Canada, Japan, Ukraine, and various Latin American countries
Export Logistics
Air freight: Nearly all Ecuadorian flowers are exported by air due to perishability. Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the primary export hub.
Timing: Flowers are typically harvested on Tuesday-Thursday for weekend delivery to retail markets in North America and Europe.
Documentation: Exports require:
Phytosanitary certificates
Export permits
Customs documentation
Organic certification (if applicable)
Fair trade certification (if applicable)
Certifications
Many international buyers require specific certifications:
Flor Ecuador: National certification program for sustainable flower production Rainforest Alliance: Environmental and social standards Fair Trade: Social and economic standards Organic certifications: USDA Organic, EU Organic Global GAP: Good Agricultural Practices standard
Labor and Social Considerations
Flower farming in Ecuador is labor-intensive, providing employment for approximately 100,000 people directly and supporting many more indirectly.
Labor Requirements
A typical farm employs workers for:
Field maintenance and cultivation
Harvesting
Post-harvest processing and packing
Quality control
Irrigation and fertigation management
Pest and disease management
General maintenance
Social Responsibility
The industry has faced criticism regarding labor conditions, leading to improvements:
Fair wages above minimum standards
Social security benefits
Childcare facilities on larger farms
Transportation services
Medical services
Training programs
Safe working conditions with appropriate protective equipment
Many farms pursue social certifications to demonstrate compliance with international labor standards.
Economic Considerations
Initial Investment
Starting a flower farm requires significant capital:
Land: Varies by location and size Greenhouse construction: $30,000-50,000 per hectare Irrigation systems: $5,000-10,000 per hectare Planting material: $10,000-20,000 per hectare for roses Equipment: Varies based on scale Cold storage: Essential investment for quality maintenance
Operating Costs
Annual operating costs include:
Labor (largest expense, 40-50% of costs)
Inputs (fertilizers, pesticides)
Utilities (water, electricity)
Packaging materials
Transportation and freight
Certifications and compliance
Maintenance and repairs
Revenue and Profitability
Returns vary significantly based on:
Flower type and quality
Market conditions
Production efficiency
Direct vs. broker sales
Value-added activities (bouquet making, retail operations)
Well-managed farms can achieve profitability within 2-3 years after initial establishment, though international market fluctuations create revenue variability.
Challenges and Future Trends
Current Challenges
Competition: Increased production from Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia Climate change: Altered rainfall patterns and temperature extremes Water availability: Growing competition for water resources Market prices: Pressure on prices from increased global supply Labor costs: Rising labor costs affecting competitiveness Pest resistance: Evolving resistance to common pesticides
Future Opportunities
Diversification: Expanding into new flower varieties and high-value crops Direct marketing: Developing direct relationships with retailers and online platforms Value addition: Processing and arranging flowers in-country Sustainability: Premium prices for certified sustainable production Technology adoption: Precision agriculture and automation New markets: Emerging markets in Asia and Latin America
Just Bloom Flower Boutique
Ecuador offers exceptional conditions for flower growing, combining natural advantages with developed infrastructure and expertise. Success in this competitive industry requires significant investment, attention to quality, efficient operations, and adaptation to changing market demands. Those willing to meet these challenges can participate in one of Ecuador's most important and internationally recognized industries.
Whether starting a small farm or understanding the industry, the key is leveraging Ecuador's unique strengths—altitude, sunlight, and climate—while maintaining the quality standards that have made Ecuadorian flowers prized worldwide.
