Episode 51: Hardest Flowers to Grow and Why We Still Love Them

Episode 51 Title Image

In this episode, hosts Liza Goetz and Lizzie Frey dive into one of the most frequently asked questions in the flower farming world: What are the hardest flowers to grow? Whether you’re a hobby gardener or a seasoned grower, you’ll want to take notes on which blooms require extra patience and care.

Why Are Some Flowers Harder to Grow Than Others?

Growing flowers isn’t just about tossing seeds into the soil and waiting for magic to happen. Several factors determine how challenging a flower is to cultivate:

  • Germination Difficulty – Some seeds take weeks (or even months!) to sprout.
  • Labor Intensity – Certain flowers require constant care, including pinching, staking, or bagging to protect them.
  • Pest and Disease Susceptibility – Some flowers attract pests or are prone to fungal diseases.
  • Environmental Sensitivity – Temperature, humidity, and soil composition can make or break a plant’s success.

The Toughest Flowers to Grow (According to Experience!)

1. Dahlias

Dahlias are beloved for their stunning blooms, but they demand a serious time commitment. These flowers grow from tubers, which must be carefully stored, divided, and replanted each season. Plus, they require protection from pests and diseases, and their large blooms often need support to prevent flopping.

2. Lisianthus

Lisianthus is a florist’s favorite for its delicate, rose-like petals, but growing it from seed is no easy feat. Germination can take up to 12 weeks, requiring precise heat and light conditions. Many farmers opt to purchase plugs instead of starting from seed to ensure success.

3. Bells of Ireland

If you’ve ever admired the striking green spires of Bells of Ireland, know that they are notoriously difficult to germinate. They require cold stratification and tend to have a low success rate. Even after germination, these plants are highly sensitive to heat and drought, making them a challenge to grow in many climates.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a sought-after greenery, but starting it from seed is tricky. It requires high heat, bottom-watering, and a lot of patience. Even when it successfully germinates, eucalyptus grows slowly and can be fussy about transplanting.

5. Snapdragons

These vibrant flowers are a staple in many gardens, but their tiny seeds make them tricky to handle. They require careful sowing and consistent moisture. Additionally, snapdragons need support as they grow to prevent bending and breaking.

6. Stock

Stock is another flower that demands attention from the get-go. It requires cool temperatures for strong growth and must be monitored closely for disease. Plus, growers must selectively remove weaker plants early on to ensure high-quality blooms.

Lessons from the Field

Many flowers that are considered difficult to grow are still worth the effort—if you’re prepared. The key to success is understanding each plant’s unique needs and being willing to invest time and resources into giving them the best conditions possible.

If you’re a beginner, don’t be discouraged! Some flowers are better suited for new growers, and it’s okay to leave certain tricky varieties to the experts.

Get Your Free Guide!

Want to know the best flowers to grow based on your skill level? We’ve put together a free guide breaking down flowers by difficulty level—so you can choose wisely! Download your copy today and start planning your dream garden.

You Might Also Like...

Episode 64: Get Ready for the Weeds: Mulch, Fabric and More!

Episode 64: Get Ready for the Weeds: Mulch, Fabric and More!

Weeds creeping into your flower beds? In this episode of The Flower Files, Liza and Kenley unpack their favorite methods—like mulching, smart tools, and even tarping—to help you reclaim your garden. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a flower farmer, these tips will help you weed less and bloom more.

Episode 62: Wildflowers: Ethical Foraging for Floral Design

Episode 62: Wildflowers: Ethical Foraging for Floral Design

Wildflower foraging brings raw, organic beauty to floral design—but it comes with responsibilities. From identifying blooms like Queen Anne’s Lace to avoiding chiggers and staying legal, here’s everything florists need to know about harvesting from the wild.

Episode 61: Florist Sustainability

Episode 61: Florist Sustainability

Is your floral design truly sustainable, or just dressed up to look that way? In this powerful episode, Liza Goetz of Wildly Native Flower Farm exposes the not-so-pretty side of the flower industry and shares actionable tips to design more responsibly—from sourcing locally to ditching floral foam for good.

Episode 59: Pests, Diseases and Weather. Oh my!

In Episode 59 of the Flower Files, Liza and Kenley take you through the flower farming trenches—from dealing with destructive bugs and devastating plant diseases to navigating wild weather patterns. Packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical tips, this episode is your go-to guide for keeping your flowers thriving, no matter what the season throws at you.

Liza, Lizzy and Amber of the Flower Files Podcast sitting on the front porch

About The Flower Files

Join our team of flower lovers while they take you along their journey as flower farmer florists pursuing business, family, strategy, mother nature, wedding installs, and everything inbetween including fieldwork, floral design, all the way to the day of event execution.

This is a weekly show that talks about all things flowers including the reality of flower farming, using locally grown flowers in wedding design, and other flower use with an environmentaly focused perspective. It includes a variety of guests who are fower lovers, users, sniffers, and ethusiasts that will talk on a range of topics… depending on where the seasont takes us!

You know Your Horoscope...

…but do you know your Flower Season? Take our fun interactive quiz to find out!

Shop Favorites