As wedding season continues its vibrant celebrations, unfavorable weather conditions in the northern Sabana region of Colombia are posing challenges for flower stem production. Alexandra Farms, renowned for cultivating over 60 varieties of cut garden roses in the Colombian Andes and exporting them to the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, is experiencing limitations in its flower stem output.
Jose Azout, representing Alexandra Farms, acknowledges the production shortfall, stating, “We are not producing as many stems as we had budgeted for.” The adverse weather, characterized by darkness and humidity, has led to a notable percentage of botrytis affecting the roses, rendering many unsuitable for sale.
Despite these hurdles, Azout remains optimistic that weather conditions will improve in the near future. Fortunately, the wedding season now extends until the end of October, providing a window for recovery and increased production.
Weather Woes Impacting Production
Azout highlights that the demand for roses remains high, although not at the peak levels experienced last year when weddings were delayed due to the pandemic, and the economy was booming. Still, demand surpasses pre-Covid times, prompting Alexandra Farms to ramp up production.
Regrettably, the ongoing bad weather in the northern Sabana is hampering their efforts. The dark and humid conditions are contributing to the prevalence of botrytis, forcing the disposal of a significant portion of the rose stems produced.
Shift Towards Cooler Months for Weddings
One encouraging trend is the shifting of wedding seasons to cooler months. Traditionally, the northern hemisphere’s wedding season occurred during the summer months to facilitate outdoor ceremonies. However, Alexandra Farms has observed a change over the years, with many weddings now scheduled for September and October, as well as early spring in May.
This trend was also observed last year, and Azout anticipates its continuation this year. Prior to the pandemic, September was their busiest month.
Color Trends and Versatile Use
When it comes to color trends, Azout notes that brides continue to favor sand colors, while classic choices like white, peach, and light pink remain highly popular. These trends have persisted for several years.
Moreover, Alexandra Farms’ roses aren’t limited to special events like weddings. They are also embraced for everyday use. Florists and designers have shown keen interest in utilizing these roses for everyday floral arrangements. Azout emphasizes that their roses offer the necessary vase life for such applications, and competitive off-season prices make them affordable. This allows florists to distinguish themselves from mass-market competitors, showcasing the discernible difference between a florist-crafted garden rose arrangement and a dozen roses from a grocery store.
Proflora Showcase
For those eager to witness the beauty of Alexandra Farms’ flowers and meet the team, the company will have a substantial booth at Proflora in Bogota, Colombia, from October 4th to 6th. On October 5th, they will host a Brunch event, showcasing their diverse range of commercial cut garden rose varieties, dahlias, and Oxypetalum.