I usually do vase life testing on at least some of the varieties I grow but I did not this year. I also did not keep track of date of first bloom like I usually do. I was up over 300 named varieties and more seedlings than ever before this season, so I think I just got a bit overwhelmed with my enormous spreadsheet.
My main florist customers have seemed so interested in getting the sheer variety I provide in mixed buckets that they honestly have never ever asked me about vase life. I feel lucky to have found "my people" when it comes to customers. They understand they'll never be able to get 10 bunches of the same variety from me and that's ok because there are local farms that grow like that. They come to me for the fun stuff. I like that! I'd love to grow all the weird seed pods, unique foliage, cress, and funky fillers to offer too. Maybe someday. Now I just dabble in that stuff for personal use.
I will periodically bring in different things just as a bonus that I normally don't include in mixed buckets like collarettes and anemones with a note about their short life, and they go crazy for them. I even brought a little solo cup of micros to one shop this year and that afternoon their buyer called me and ordered some for wedding boutonnieres! They use the same hydration chamber method I do when making wearables with micros and were fully aware those dahlias would probably still only last for the half day of the event. That was ok with them and I'm sure the wedding party was delighted with the unique flowers!
