Phinna Flowers Blazes Trail in Summer Flowers Cultivation

Felista’s journey into flower farming began unexpectedly during visits to neighboring farms, where she was captivated by the allure of flower cultivation hence her inspiration to begin Phinna Flowers. With a background steeped in admiration for floral arrangements, she embarked on a quest to learn more.

Armed with determination, she acquired seeds from a farmer friend and diligently cultivated them on one portion of her land. When the flowers matured, guided by her seasoned friend, she successfully sold her initial harvest of 300 stems, fetching Ksh 1,000—a significant sum at the time.

 Encouraged by the profitability and reliable market of flowers compared Felista’s impact extends beyond her farm. She has transformed her farm into a demonstration farm where fellow farmers and agriculture students from across the country come to learn about the art and science of flower production. to other crops, Felista made a pivotal decision to focus on flower farming.

Her resolve was further bolstered when a friend, also in the flower business, earned Ksh 40,000 from bulk sales, motivating Felista to expand her floral endeavors.

 “I traditionally used to farm potatoes and vegetables which everyone was growing and which were favored by the weather. But my admiration for flowers and their arrangements, whenever I visited social events, created a burning desire to foray into floriculture,” Felista noted.

Over time, Felista not only expanded her flower varieties but also involved her children in the business. After educating them with the proceeds of flowers, her children secured jobs. But aware of the many fortunes flower growing held, she started introducing her children to the trade.

Out of her 12 children, five are now actively involved in flower production and export. Through meticulous training and mentorship, she instilled in them a passion for flower farming. This collective effort eventually led to the formal establishment of Phinna Flowers as a family-owned enterprise.

Today, the farm spans 10 acres and employs a workforce of 16, dedicated to maintaining high standards in flower production. Felista has forayed where giants dominate capturing the summer flowers market with the over six varieties that don her Njabini farm.

Some of the varieties in Phinna Flowers include Elgydium, Agapanthus, and Craspedia. “We saw an opportunity in flowers that allowed us to diversify our farm’s produce,” Felista explains.

“With careful planning and investment in quality, we’ve been able to meet the demands of both local and international markets.” While the flowers are sold through the Phinna Flowers brand, each family member grows their varieties on their respective farms which are then weighed and packaged using unique numbers that represent every farm. The final amount after the sale is divided based on each sibling’s share.

“We have predominantly been focusing on the auctions although recently we have been warming up to direct sales with clients from Dubai, China, and even the Netherlands. That balance has allowed us to insulate ourselves from the unpredictable markets,” noted Felista.

However exorbitant flight charges and unpredictable export market dynamics have taken a toll on the farms’ bottom line. The farm has strategically positioned itself in the local market, to avoid uncertainties in the international markets.

By focusing on quality and direct sales within Kenya, Felista has navigated challenges such as high freight charges and market fluctuations, ensuring a stable income for her family and employees.

 “We sell our flowers to City Market and to local buyers who visit the farm. This has allowed us to increase our margins that have been compromised in the export market. Unlike popular belief, the local market has been warming up to summer flowers,” Felista enthused.

 Despite the success, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Felista faces seasonal challenges, water scarcity, and the perennial issue of staff turnover. Yet, her dedication to quality and sustainable farming practices, tailored to the region’s climate, has been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. Felista’s impact extends beyond her farm.

She has transformed her farm into a demonstration farm where fellow farmers and agriculture students from across the country come to learn about the art and science of flower production. She is happy to train them, arguing that the market and demand for flowers has been burgeoning, opening up numerous opportunities for farmers to diversify.

“It is always my honor to introduce more farmers to this trade. I have seen the numerous opportunities in flower production and the power of diversification. I want as many farmers as possible to make a stab at it, like I did. That is why I train them,” she added.

Looking ahead, Felista remains optimistic and eager to explore new opportunities while staying true to her roots. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality can turn a small farm into a thriving business that supports a community and beyond.

As she reflects on her journey, Felista Wanjiru’s advice to aspiring farmers and clarion call to the government resonates: “Support smallholder farmers; they are the backbone of our agricultural sector. With the right resources and support, they can drive economic growth and create sustainable livelihoods.”

Felista is among a growing number of Kenyan smallholder farmers who are embracing the production of summer flowers. Despite the traditionally labor-intensive nature of some flower varieties like roses, which require meticulous care and substantial water consumption, farmers are leveraging their expertise and resources to yield impressive results.

The shift towards summer flowers has proven advantageous for many reasons. Unlike traditional crops that are subject to market price fluctuations and export challenges, summer flowers offer a more stable income stream.

Farmers like Felista have found that focusing on local markets not only insulates them from global uncertainties but also allows them to command premium prices for their high-quality blooms. Moreover, the cultivation of summer flowers aligns well with Kenya’s climatic conditions, particularly in regions with cooler temperatures that discourage pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical intervention.

This judicious use of agricultural practices not only ensures environmental sustainability but also enhances the marketability of Kenyan flowers globally. The impact of this shift extends beyond individual farms.

The increased production of summer flowers has created employment opportunities for local communities, supporting livelihoods and fostering economic growth in rural areas. It has also positioned Kenya as a reliable supplier in the international flower market, competing favorably with other global producers.