Challenging trading times have come around again due to COVID 19. This time however the only outlet for retail plant sales are through click and collect in garden centres, however, the exception seems to be for house plants. It great relief that wholesale trade and landscaping can continue.
There is much concern among growers that continued or extended restriction of sales could impact perishable seasonal stock. In particular Poinsettias are the most high risk crop with; long a production time, high input costs and very short seasonal sales window. I have spoken with many growers and their worry is very real; they have significant capital tied up in perishable stock.
If we’re are unlucky to see another COVID wave next spring and no outlet for plant sales there will be dire consequences for growers. Looking to other European countries in similar lock-down scenarios, France, Belgium England and Scotland have kept their garden centres open.
