In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Steve Kaufer, also known as Sunflower Steve, shares his journey from planting a prairie garden to becoming a renowned sunflower seed breeder. Starting with planting native prairie flowers in Wisconsin, Steve's passion for flowers has led him to cultivate unique sunflower varieties over the last 20 plus years. Through trial and error, Steve established relationships with large retailers and wholesalers, eventually focusing on high-volume production of sunflowers and zinnias. His innovative methods, such as using birds of prey to deter rodents, set him apart in the flower farming industry.

Steve's dedication to seed breeding led to the discovery of a rare double-flowering sunflower named Gigi, sparking his interest in enhancing sunflower genetics. By carefully selecting and cross-pollinating different varieties, Steve has created stunning bicolor and maroonish colored sunflowers. Despite challenges like frost and pest control, Steve's unique approach to flower farming showcases the intersection of nature, innovation, and dedication in creating beautiful blooms. Join Steve on a journey through the vibrant world of sunflowers and the art of seed breeding, where each petal tells a story of resilience and growth.

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• 01:15-05:16: Steve's Journey: From Flower Farming to Sunflower Breeding
• 13:19-16:23: Maximizing Efficiency and Planning for Contingencies
• 0:26-23:33: Evolution of Steve’s Flower Farm
• 24:35-32:01: From Hobby to Breeding Success
• 37:51-41:40: Protecting Sunflowers from Rodents and Birds
• 01:06:30-01:09:47: Sunflowers and Camp
• 01:10:33-01:14:33: Breeding and Growing Unique Sunflowers

Learn More About Sunflower Steve:

• · https://sunflowersteveseedco.com/
• · https://www.instagram.com/sun_flower_steve
• · CBS Sunday Morning: https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/0Hr_4AyQAfnOZQeb44TCkxu_omlTvF4E/
• · Camp: https://www.crosswoods.camp/

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes are coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for The Flowering Farmhouse newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast. Today, we're diving into the world of dahlias, my favorite flower, and I'm here to guide you through everything you need to know to have a successful start to dahlia growing season.

In Today’s Bonus Episode, We’ll Cover:

• What you need to get started growing dahlias
• How to plant your dahlias
• How to set your dahlias up for success after planting
• Common Dahlia Growing Challenges
• Invitation to join The Dahlia Patch

The Dahlia Patch Membership Features:

• Monthly LIVE Training Webinars (replays available)
• Monthly LIVE Q&A Sessions (replays available)
• Expert Step-By-Step Growing Guidance From Jennifer of The Flowering Farmhouse
• Online Community To Connect With Other Passionate Dahlia Growers
• Interactive Opportunities To Grow Along (Growing From Seed, Taking Cuttings, Dividing Dahlias)
• Access to The Dahlia Patch anytime from your phone, tablet, and computer

Who Is The Dahlia Patch For:

• First Time Dahlia Growers
• Dahlia Growers Wanting Step-By-Step Guidance
• Dahlia Growers Looking To Increase Their Production
• Dahlia Growers Wanting To Connect With Others Who Are Passionate About Growing Dahlias

Our Founding Membership in The Dahlia Patch is available through May 1st, 2024. Be sure to lock-in this introductory rate today. We'd love to have you join us in The Dahlia Patch!

Learn More & Join The Dahlia Patch:

https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/the-dahlia-patch-membership-growing-dahlias

In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole from Cherry Garden and the Let's Grow Girls podcast. Nicole shares her inspiring journey from starting with a small U.K. allotment to transforming her backyard into a beautiful cut flower haven.

Nicole's passion for sustainable flower farming shines through as she shares her experiences of transitioning from a supermarket flower shopper to a micro flower farmer. Juggling her flower farming endeavors with life with her hens and pugs, Nicole's dedication to creating a floral-filled life is truly admirable.

We delve into Nicole's decision to move her flower farming operation from her allotment to her backyard, a decision that was sparked by a desire for more joy and convenience in her gardening experience. The challenges she faced at the allotment, including weed pressure and brambles, led her to make the switch, which has brought back the joy and excitement of growing flowers.

Nicole shares her favorite flowers, including the beloved Cafè au Lait dahlia and the mesmerizing ball-shaped dahlias. She also discussed her love for sweet peas, roses, and tulips, highlighting the beauty and magic of each flower variety.

Nicole's dedication to sustainable and joyful flower farming is truly inspiring, and her insights and experiences are sure to resonate with flower enthusiasts and aspiring growers alike. Don't miss out on Nicole's inspiring journey and valuable insights! Tune in to the full episode on the Backyard Bouquet Podcast.

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Are You Growing Dahlias This Year? Join Us In The Dahlia Patch As A Founding Member: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/the-dahlia-patch-founding-member

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In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nicole's Flower Growing Journey
• 00:05:30 - Growing Sweet Peas
• 00:08:34 - Nicole's First Year of Flower Growing
• 00:11:46 - The Joy of Growing and Sharing Flowers
• 00:13:06 - The Impact of Gardening During Lockdown
• 00:16:07 - Moving from Allotment to Backyard Gardening
• 00:23:38 - The Beauty of Lilacs and Daffodils
• 00:25:07 - Favorite Sweet Pea Varieties
• 00:28:30 - Sourcing Sweet Peas in the UK
• 00:31:21 - Transitioning Roses from Allotment to Backyard
• 00:36:11 - Favorite Flowers: Dahlias and Sweet Peas
• 00:42:52 - Strengthening Dahlia Stems with Calcium
• 00:44:38 - Decision to Move Flower Growing to Backyard

Learn more about Nicole and Cherry Garden:

• Cherry Garden on IG: www.instagram.com/nicoleatcherrygarden
• Let’s Grow Girls Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/letsgrowgirlspodcast/

***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***

If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.

New episodes are coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!

Sign up for The Flowering Farmhouse newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3