THE Riverland may be known for its oranges, almonds and wine grapes, but there’s a new primary industry making its mark.

A number of flower farms are popping up across the region, selling locally grown stems, both off-farm and to local florists.

Tyla Hoffmann, of Stalk and Bloom Flower Farm at New Residence, near Loxton began growing dahlias three years ago and is now selling up to 30 bunches per week in the growing season’s peak.

“Last season was my second year with just over 100 dahlia plants and this year I have over 600 in,” she said.

While dahlias are Mrs Hoffmann’s passion, she also grows a selection of other flowers in spring including gladiolas and ranunculus, along with some native foliage.

“I am still learning what the soil is here,” she said.

“There is a lot of trial and error.”

After a period in the police force and then a few years in Darwin, Mrs Hoffmann said her new job as a flower farmer allowed her to be home with their four young children and assist her husband, Ben’s plumbing business.

“I am no florist. I haven’t had any training,” she said.

I just love growing the flowers and people are wanting them.”

While the dahlias flower from late December to mid-April, the work is year round, with the plants requiring the tubers to be split and stored in the winter.

The late John Menzel, of Winkie, was an avid dahlia ambassador and Mrs Hoffmann bought her first tubers from the respected grower.

“My favourite is called Winkie cinnamon and it was him that created it,” she said.

Mrs Hoffmann said the Riverland was well suited to dahlias and she looked forward to the farm expanding, potentially selling to local florists in the future. 

In 2020, Australia imported over $74 million worth of flowers.

Monash’s Natalie Brock, of Coco and Honey Flower Farm, said she found customers wanted to buy local produce.

“You can’t beat fresh,” she said.

“Even the ranunculus I put in, I didn’t think they would sell. 

“I thought I would grow some as I love them. 

My grandmother was a very keen gardener and had a big influence on my love of gardening and she always had ranunculus –and they just sold like hot cakes.”

Mrs Brock said while her flower farm is in its early days, she was looking forward to seeing where the venture takes her.

“I really didn’t have any expectations and had no idea how it was going to go,” she said.

“We probably have quarter of an acre planted up to flowers.

“It has been a massive workload; way more than I expected.

“You have to be passionate about it, otherwise you wouldn’t continue to do it. But I have loved it.”