Late Summer/Fall (August and September)

Halfway through our growing season, there are still favorite flowers just starting to bloom at the farm. We’ve chosen some to highlight below, but it is only a sampling. Some flowers from the Summer Blooming Period continue to be available in Late Summer/Fall. We are always happy to share what is blooming at any given time—just be in touch! For this Blooming Period, we’re highlighting some late summer/fall favorites: callas; China asters; lisianthus; perennial sunflowers; and zinnias.

Callas

Another new flower for us in 2021 was the calla, or Zantedeschia. Although sometimes referred to as a “calla lily” is is not a true lily; the flowers grow from tuberous rhizomes that do not overwinter in Minnesota and must be stored inside. The blooms are atop long stems, with smooth, sword-like leaves that may be spotted, striped or solid green. We grew 7 varieties last season and just loved them. We’ve added a few more varieties for the 2022 season. Callas are very popular in wedding bouquets and other special arrangements.

China Asters

China asters are annual flowers that we start from seed each season. Like their perennial cousins, the fall asters, they begin to bloom in later summer when the weather turns cooler and daylight is shorter. We grow these lovely focal flowers in several varieties and colors, ranging from soft pastels to bright bolds. China asters range in shape from loose pompoms to flatter blooms with yellow centers. Each type adds a lot of interest and texture to bouquets. Our first season we grew three varieties of China asters. Now that we have discovered their beauty, we have added several varieties and colors to our growing list. These flowers really add the “wow” factor to bouquets and arrangements.

Lisianthus

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora), also known as Prairie Gentian, or “Lisie” in the trade, is an elegant, long-stemmed flower originated from a humble North American prairie species. Through the marvels of plant breeding, the hybrid varieties have much larger blossoms and grow in a wide range of colors compared to their smaller, blue ancestors. Lisies are very long-lasting flowers in arrangements and bouquets, and depending upon their stage of blossom, have been compared to tulips, roses and poppies in form. They are very sturdy and are wonderful in place of roses as focal flowers for wedding arrangements, mixed bouquets, or all on their own. Each year Flutterby Flower Farm has added more varieties of lisianthus because our customers enjoy them so much. We love them, too! We started by growing 3 varieties. In 2020 we grew 10 varieties, in 2021 we grew 18; in 2022 we grew 26 varieties; and our 2023 plans include 29 varities! Depending on the variety, they are available late July into September.

Sunflowers (Perennial)

For many flower farmers, sunflowers are a “must have” in their late summer/fall fields. We’ve discovered that rather than grow the many colorful varieties of annual sunflowers that can be found at many farmers markets, we prefer to grow perennial sunflowers. We use this term to include perennial Helianthus (sunflowers), as well as Rudbeckias and Heliopsis. Many are native to Minnesota prairies, and all grow back year after year with an abundance of colorful blooms that mix well with other seasonal flowers in bouquets. We look forward to their bright cheer each year.

Zinnias

Zinnias are one of the longest blooming flowers in our fields, from mid-summer until first frost. In addition to having fantastic color and high productivity, zinnias are adored by butterflies. It was while enjoying the sight of the hundreds of monarchs flitting around the zinnias that the name of our farm occurred to us, and our logo began to take shape. There are so many different zinnias, we have a challenge challenge each year when we decide which to grow. Some of our favorites include the Oklahoma Series (especially the salmon color, top left below), Uproar Rose (top middle), and the Queen series (top right).