Commercial Rose Production in the Andes: A Guide for Flower Farms
The Andes mountains have become one of the world's premier rose-growing regions, with Ecuador, Colombia, and to a lesser extent Peru and Bolivia establishing thriving commercial flower industries. The unique combination of high altitude, equatorial or near-equatorial location, intense sunlight, and cool temperatures creates ideal conditions for producing premium roses with long stems, large blooms, and exceptional vase life. This Just Bloom HK guide draws on the practical experience of Andean flower farms that supply markets worldwide.
The Andean Advantage
Why the Andes Dominates Global Rose Production
Ecuador has become the world's third-largest rose exporter, with production concentrated around Cayambe and Cotopaxi provinces at 2,800-3,000m elevation. Colombia, particularly the Sabana de Bogotá at 2,600m, is the second-largest exporter globally. These regions offer:
Perpetual spring climate: Stable year-round temperatures (13-20°C)
12 hours of daylight year-round: Near-equatorial location ensures consistent light
Intense UV radiation: Produces vibrant colors and strong stems
Cool nights, warm days: Creates slower growth and larger blooms
Volcanic soils: Rich in nutrients with excellent drainage
Cost-effective labor: Makes hand-cultivation economically viable
Regional Production Zones
Ecuador (Primary Production: 2,700-3,200m)
Cayambe-Tabacundo region: Largest concentration of rose farms
Cotopaxi Province: Premium long-stem production
Latacunga area: Expanding production zone
Average production altitude: 2,850m
Colombia (Primary Production: 2,500-2,800m)
Sabana de Bogotá: Historic production center
Rionegro (Antioquia): Secondary region
Facatativá and Funza: Major farm concentrations
Average production altitude: 2,600m
Peru (Emerging Production: 2,800-3,500m)
Cajamarca region: Small-scale commercial production
Cusco area: Boutique rose production
Limited but growing export market
Variety Selection for Commercial Production
Market-Driven Variety Selection
Ecuadorian and Colombian farms focus on varieties that meet international market demands:
Red Varieties (40-50% of production)
Freedom: Industry standard, excellent vase life
Forever Young: Deep red, premium market
Explorer: Large heads, popular in Europe
Classy: Boutique market favorite
Charlotte: Strong stems, reliable producer
Pink/Peach Varieties (20-25%)
Engagement: Popular wedding rose
Pink Floyd: High-end market
Mondial: Cream-pink, versatile
Cabaret: Peach tones, premium
Sweet Unique: Antique finish
White/Cream Varieties (15-20%)
Avalanche: Market leader, pure white
Playa Blanca: Creamy white, Ecuador specialty
Vendela: Cream, reliable
Akito: Pure white, Japanese market
Specialty Colors (15-20%)
High & Magic: Bicolor, premium prices
Cherry Brandy: Purple-burgundy
Circus: Orange, niche markets
Esperance: Lavender, boutique
Tinted varieties: Post-harvest color enhancement
Breeding Considerations
Commercial Andean farms prioritize:
Stem length: 50-100cm grades command premium prices
Vase life: Minimum 12-14 days required
Productivity: Year-round production capacity
Disease resistance: Botrytis and downy mildew particularly
Bud size: Large, tight buds preferred
Petal count: 40-60 petals for premium grades
Infrastructure and Greenhouse Design
High-Altitude Greenhouse Construction
Unlike Dutch-style enclosed greenhouses, Andean farms use open-sided or semi-covered structures:
Typical Design Specifications
Roof coverage: 50-80% shade cloth or plastic roof
Open sides: Natural ventilation critical
Height: 3.5-4.5m to accommodate tall stems
Orientation: North-south rows for even light distribution
Gutter systems: Channel rain to collection systems
Hail netting: Essential in many locations
Climate Control Strategies
Retractable shade systems: Adjust for cloud cover
Wind barriers: Permeable screens on windward sides
Misting systems: Humidity control during dry periods
Frost protection: Overhead sprinklers or heaters for cold snaps
Temperature monitoring: Automated systems throughout facility
Soil Preparation and Bed Construction
Ecuadorian Method (Proven at 2,800-3,000m)
Deep ripping: Mechanical tillage to 60cm depth
Volcanic ash incorporation: Improve drainage and structure
Organic matter: 20-30 tons/hectare of composted material
Raised beds: 20-30cm high, 1.2m wide
Fumigation: Steam or chemical to eliminate pathogens
Drip line installation: Two lines per bed
pH adjustment: Target 6.0-6.5 with lime if needed
Mulching: Rice hulls or similar material
Colombian Method (Sabana de Bogotá standard)
Similar approach but less volcanic amendment
More emphasis on organic matter (30-40 tons/hectare)
Often incorporate peat moss for moisture retention
May use pre-formed substrate mixes in some operations
Planting and Establishment
Commercial Planting Density
Standard spacing varies by market target:
Premium long-stem production: 6-7 plants/m² (Ecuador standard)
Standard production: 7-8 plants/m²
Short-stem production: 8-10 plants/m²
Typical bed configuration (1.2m wide bed)
Four rows per bed
25-30cm between rows
20-25cm between plants in row
50-60cm pathways between beds
Planting Techniques
Grafted vs. Own-Root
Most Andean commercial operations use grafted plants:
Rootstock: Rosa indica or Rosa manetti variants
Provides vigor and disease resistance
Better productivity in volcanic soils
Graft union placed 5-8cm above soil level
Establishment Protocol (First 90 days)
Days 1-14: Frequent light watering, establish roots
Days 15-30: First pinch at 20-25cm, remove all buds
Days 31-60: Build plant structure, 2-3 basal breaks encouraged
Days 61-90: Second pinch, develop 4-6 main stems
Day 91+: Begin harvesting cycle
Pinching Strategy
Ecuadorian farms typically use:
Initial pinch: Remove growing tip at 15-20cm
Second pinch: 30-40 days later on new breaks
Target: 4-6 strong basal breaks per plant
Production phase: Selective pinching to maintain production
Irrigation Management
Drip Irrigation Systems
Standard Ecuadorian Setup
Two drip lines per 1.2m bed
Emitters every 30cm, 2-4 L/hour
Automated controllers with soil moisture sensors
Fertigation integrated into all watering
Water pH adjusted to 5.8-6.2
Irrigation Scheduling
Dry season (June-September): 3-5 times daily, 10-15 min cycles
Wet season (November-April): 1-3 times daily, adjusted for rainfall
Total daily volume: 4-8 mm depending on season and crop stage
Night irrigation: Avoided to prevent disease
Water Quality Management
Commercial farms invest heavily in water treatment:
Source: Often groundwater or captured rainfall
Filtration: Sand filters minimum, UV treatment common
Storage: 2-3 days capacity in reservoirs
Testing: Weekly analysis for EC, pH, pathogens
Treatment: Chlorination, ozonation, or UV sterilization
Fertigation Programs
Commercial Nutrient Management
Ecuadorian and Colombian farms use sophisticated fertigation:
Base Nutrient Solution (per liter)
N: 150-200 ppm (varies by growth stage)
P: 40-50 ppm
K: 200-250 ppm
Ca: 150-180 ppm
Mg: 40-50 ppm
Micronutrients: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo (chelated forms)
EC and pH Targets
Irrigation solution EC: 1.8-2.2 mS/cm
pH: 5.8-6.2
Substrate leachate EC: 2.5-3.5 mS/cm
Monitored multiple times daily via automated systems
Seasonal Adjustments
High light periods: Increase K, reduce N slightly
Low light periods: Reduce overall concentration
Pre-harvest: Boost K for vase life
Post-pinch: Increase N for vegetative growth
Micronutrient Management
Critical at high altitude due to intense UV:
Iron: Chelated Fe-EDDHA, weekly foliar applications
Manganese: Monitor for deficiency in volcanic soils
Boron: Critical for bud development, regular application
Zinc: Often deficient, included in base program
Calcium: Foliar sprays prevent bud abortion
Pest and Disease Management
Major Disease Challenges
Botrytis cinerea (Gray Mold)
Most significant disease in Andean rose production
Favored by high humidity and cool temperatures
Management: Ventilation, fungicide rotation, plant spacing
Preventive sprays every 7-10 days during wet periods
Downy Mildew (Peronospora sparsa)
Severe problem during rainy seasons
Appears as purple-brown spots on leaves
Management: Preventive fungicides, greenhouse coverage
Can devastate production if not controlled
Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa)
Less common at high altitude but still present
White coating on young growth
Management: Sulfur products, resistant varieties
Stem Canker and Dieback
Various fungal pathogens
Enter through wounds or pruning cuts
Management: Sanitation, wound protection, fungicides
Integrated Pest Management
Major Pests
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae): Primary pest concern
Thrips: Damage flowers and spread viruses
Aphids: Vectors of disease
Whiteflies: Secondary pest
Leafcutter bees: Can damage foliage
IPM Strategy Used by Leading Farms
Biological control: Release predatory mites, parasitic wasps
Monitoring: Yellow sticky traps, regular scouting
Cultural practices: Sanitation, weed management
Chemical rotation: Rotate modes of action to prevent resistance
Threshold-based applications: Spray only when needed
Biological Control Programs
Many Ecuadorian farms use:
Phytoseiulus persimilis (predatory mite for spider mites)
Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mite for thrips/whitefly)
Aphidius colemani (parasitic wasp for aphids)
Orius insidiosus (predatory bug)
Weekly releases during critical periods
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest Timing and Technique
Cut Stage Determination
Red roses: Harvest at stage 2-3 (slightly more open for distant markets)
Light colors: Stage 1-2 (tight bud)
Market-specific: Asian markets prefer tighter, European more open
Harvest Procedure
Timing: Early morning (5-9 AM) when stems are turgid
Cut angle: 45-degree cut with sharp, sterilized shears
Cut position: Above 5-leaf junction, leaving 2-3 eyes
Immediate placement: Into buckets with preservative solution
Temperature: Transport to cold room within 30 minutes
Daily Production Cycle
5:00-9:00 AM: Harvest
9:00-11:00 AM: Initial processing and grading
11:00 AM-2:00 PM: Hydration in cold room
2:00-6:00 PM: Final grading, bunching, boxing
6:00 PM onwards: Cold storage at 2-4°C
Next day: Export shipment
Grading and Quality Control
Standard Export Grades (Ecuador/Colombia)
Length grades:
40cm: Budget market, local sales
50cm: Standard export grade
60cm: Premium grade
70cm: Select grade
80cm: Fancy grade
90cm+: Super select, premium prices (20-40% higher)
Quality parameters:
Stem straightness and strength
Bud size and uniformity
Foliage quality (dark green, no damage)
Absence of disease/pest damage
Thorn removal completeness
Bunching Standards
25 stems per bunch (standard)
20 stems for premium long grades
Uniform length within 2cm
Protective sleeve on buds
Hydration tube at stem base
Cold Chain Management
Critical for maintaining quality to distant markets:
Farm cold room: 2-4°C, 80-90% humidity
Transport to airport: Refrigerated trucks
Airport cargo facility: Maintained at 2-4°C
Air freight: Temperature-controlled cargo holds
Destination handling: Cold chain maintained throughout
Preservative Solutions
Harvest solution: Biocide + sugar + acidifier
Hydration solution: Higher sugar concentration
Transport solution: Includes ethylene inhibitors
Recipes: Often proprietary to individual farms
Labor Management
Workforce Structure
Typical 10-hectare Ecuadorian rose farm:
150-200 workers total
Harvest workers: 60-70 people
Cultivation workers: 40-50 people
Post-harvest workers: 40-50 people
Technical staff: 5-10 people
Administration: 5-10 people
Specialized Roles
Harvesters: Trained to identify correct cut stage
Pinchers: Manage plant structure
Fertigators: Manage irrigation and nutrition
IPM technicians: Monitor and manage pests
Graders: Expert quality assessment
Bunchers: Final product preparation
Training and Quality Systems
Leading Andean farms implement:
Continuous training programs for workers
Quality incentive systems
Fair trade and social responsibility certifications
Worker health and safety programs
Community development initiatives
Marketing and Export
Global Market Destinations
Primary Export Markets
United States: 70-75% of Ecuadorian/Colombian exports
Europe: 10-15% (Netherlands, Germany, UK, Spain)
Russia: 5-8%
Asia: Growing market (Japan, South Korea, China)
Latin America: Regional markets
Marketing Channels
Direct sales to importers/wholesalers
Miami flower auctions and distributors
European auction system (Aalsmeer)
Direct to supermarket chains
Online flower delivery companies
Certifications and Standards
Commercial Andean farms commonly hold:
Fairtrade: Social and labor standards
Rainforest Alliance: Environmental sustainability
Florverde: Colombian specific sustainability
GlobalG.A.P.: Good Agricultural Practices
ISO certifications: Quality management
Organic certifications: For niche markets
Economic Considerations
Investment Requirements
Startup costs for 1 hectare (2020s estimates):
Land preparation and infrastructure: $80,000-120,000
Greenhouse structures: $50,000-80,000
Irrigation and fertigation systems: $30,000-50,000
Plants and establishment: $40,000-60,000
Cold storage and post-harvest: $60,000-100,000
Total: $260,000-410,000 per hectare
Operating Costs (annual per hectare):
Labor: $120,000-160,000 (largest cost component)
Fertilizers and chemicals: $40,000-60,000
Utilities (water, electricity): $15,000-25,000
Post-harvest materials: $30,000-50,000
Maintenance and depreciation: $20,000-30,000
Total operating: $225,000-325,000 per hectare
Revenue Potential
Average production: 200-250 stems/m²/year
Average price: $0.20-0.40 per stem (varies by grade and season)
Gross revenue: $400,000-1,000,000 per hectare/year
Net margin: 15-25% for well-managed operations
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Peak demand periods (premium prices):
Valentine's Day (February 14): Prices 200-300% of baseline
Mother's Day (May, second Sunday): 150-200% of baseline
Christmas season: 120-150% of baseline
Production planning:
Pinching schedules timed for peak harvest during premium periods
Year-round production maintained but increased intensity for holidays
Some farms specialize in off-season production for counter-seasonal markets
Sustainability and Future Trends
Environmental Initiatives
Leading Andean rose farms are implementing:
Water recycling: Closed-loop systems capturing and treating runoff
Renewable energy: Solar panels increasingly common
Biological pest control: Reducing chemical usage
Composting: On-site processing of green waste
Carbon footprint reduction: Focus on efficient logistics
Industry Challenges
Competition: From African producers (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda)
Climate variability: Changing rainfall patterns
Labor costs: Rising wages reducing competitive advantage
Freight costs: Airline capacity and fuel prices
Market consolidation: Fewer, larger buyers
Currency fluctuations: Impact on export competitiveness
Innovation Directions
Robotics: Automated harvesting and grading systems in development
Precision agriculture: Sensor-based optimization of inputs
New varieties: Ongoing breeding for productivity and disease resistance
Vertical integration: Some farms developing branded products
Direct-to-consumer: Online sales channels
Value-added products: Preserved roses, gift packaging
Just Bloom Florist tips
The Andes region has established itself as a global leader in rose production through the unique advantages of high-altitude equatorial conditions combined with significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. Ecuadorian and Colombian rose farms produce some of the world's highest quality roses, with long stems, vibrant colors, and exceptional vase life that command premium prices in international markets.
Success in commercial Andean rose production requires substantial capital investment, technical expertise, efficient labor management, and rigorous attention to quality throughout the production chain. However, for farms that can effectively manage these challenges, the high-altitude Andes offers unparalleled conditions for profitable rose production serving demanding global markets.
The industry continues to evolve with increasing focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and market diversification, ensuring that Andean roses will remain a dominant force in global floriculture for decades to come.
