Flower Seeds Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Trait Type (Hybrid and Open-pollinated), By Application (Open-field and Protected Cultivation), By Flower Type (Annual, Biennial, and Perennial) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global flower seeds market size was valued at USD 2.47 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.58 billion in 2024 to USD 3.96 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.48% during the forecast period.

A flower seed is a tiny, dry structure produced by a flowering plant that contains an embryo and its food supply. The global market is dynamic, driven by several factors, such as rising disposable incomes, sustainable and organic practices, the growing popularity of floriculture products, and advancements in seed technology. Prominent players in the market are constantly innovating and developing new seed varieties as well as home gardening collections to cater to evolving consumer preferences and market demand. 

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the growth of the market. Approximately half of the florists closed their operations globally, which reduced the demand for flowers. The sharp decline from the demand side has widely impacted farmers. Thus, they switched flower production to alternative crop production to achieve sustainability. This factor strongly affected the seed sales for the initial months of the pandemic, an average of 30 to 60 days. However, the demand from the home gardening segments balanced the industry sales during the pandemic.

Flower Seeds Market Trends

Growing Advancements in Seed Technology to Boost Market Growth

Advancements in seed technology are playing a significant role in driving the global flower seeds market growth. Moreover, growing government collaborations and investments in seed production facilities have further fueled market growth. For instance, in August 2023, a state-of-the-art seed production center was set up on the premises of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). The new unit would consider parameters such as purity, seed germination capacity, and moisture to enhance the quality of seeds. The new unit aims to increase sales and expand advisory services to diagnose several diseases related to seeds. This trend will drive the global flower seeds market growth in the upcoming years.

Flower Seeds Market Growth Factors

Growing Focus on Greenhouse Expansion to Boost Market Growth

Expansion of greenhouse facilities offers intriguing opportunities for the market. Greenhouses enable targeted production of flower varieties during their optimal seasons, regardless of external weather conditions. This strategic approach addresses market gaps and extends availability for certain flower varieties. The greenhouses also offer ideal settings for controlled breeding experiments, accelerating the development of disease resistance, drought tolerance and high-yielding varieties, which are crucial for a sustainable future. The growing importance of greenhouses has led manufacturers to expand their greenhouse facilities in order to produce a wide variety of flowers. For instance, in September 2023, Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd., one of the largest breeders, producers, and distributors of quality flowers and other seeds, set up a new state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Bengaluru, India. The new facility is spread across 58,000 square feet, adheres to international standards, and incorporates the latest technological advancements. It also would help test seeds for commercial purposes, domestic, research, and foreign markets.

Development of New Seed Varieties to Boost the Demand for the Product

Manufacturers are increasingly focused on developing varieties that are visually appealing and sustainably and ethically produced. Consumer preferences for unique, locally sourced, and ethically produced seeds are also shaping the future of the flower seeds market. For instance, in July 2023, the Bali province collaborated with Bali Governor Wayan Koster to develop marigold flower seeds packets at the Bali Marigold Experimental Garden. The new seed variety was developed with the aim of reducing imports. The new variety was named Marigold Bali Sudamala and was available in red, white, gold, yellow, and orange colors.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Prices of Hybrid Seeds and Development Costs to Hamper Market Growth

Breeding and developing hybrid varieties involve extensive research, specialized techniques, and rigorous testing, making them more expensive to produce compared to open-pollinated seeds. Various hybrid varieties are protected by intellectual property rights, leading to licensing fees and royalties that can inflate the price. Moreover, producing hybrid seeds often requires controlled pollination processes and specialized infrastructure, contributing to higher production costs. Such high costs might discourage consumers from purchasing new or diverse seed varieties, hindering market expansion for flower seeds.

Flower Seeds Market Segmentation Analysis

By Trait Type Analysis

Hybrid Segment to Lead the Market Owing to Enhanced Traits and Disease Resistance

Based on trait type, the market is divided into hybrid and open-pollinated.

The hybrid segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Hybrid seeds are produced by crossing genetically distinct parent plants, resulting in offspring with enhanced desirable traits such as increased yield, disease resistance, uniformity, improved aesthetics, and longer blooming. Moreover, the commercial flower industry requires consistent quality and yield, making hybrid seeds a preferred choice for many growers.

By Application Analysis

Protected Cultivation Segment to Hold Largest Share Owing to Controlled Environment and Consistent Production

Based on application, the market is classified into open-field and protected cultivation.

The protected cultivation segment is expected to hold a major share of the market. Protected cultivation, utilizing greenhouses, shade houses, or other structures, provides controlled environments with optimal temperature, humidity, and light conditions. This enables consistent production of high-quality flowers with increased yields, catering to the demand for premium blooms. Protected cultivation also offers protection from adverse weather conditions, harmful pests, and diseases, minimizing the risks and leading to more predictable harvests and improved profitability for growers.

The open field segment is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period. Open-field cultivation requires less initial investment, making it more accessible to small-scale farmers and budget-conscious growers.

By Flower Type Analysis

Annual Flower Type to Hold Significant Market Share Offering Wide Variety and Shorter Lifecycle

Based on flower type, the market is classified into annual, biennial, and perennial.

The annual segment is expected to hold a significant share of the global market. Annual flowers complete their entire life cycle within the growing season, allowing gardeners to experiment with different varieties and colors yearly. Their various sizes, colors, and bloom times cater to diverse preferences and garden aesthetics, attracting a wider consumer base and contributing to the segment’s dominance. Moreover, these types of flowers will also provide flexibility to commercial flower growers to switch flower cultivation according to the market demand.

The perennial segment is expected to grow at a fast pace in the forecast period. Consumers are increasingly drawn to sustainable gardening practices, and with their multi-year lifespans, perennials require less frequent planting and resource consumption compared to other flower types. Several perennials thrive with minimum care, making them appealing to busy gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance landscaping solutions. Perennial species such as Lavandula spp., Rudbeckia hirta, Aquilegia spp. flower seeds are suggested to be planted in the fall as it helps the plant in early booming, ensuring vibrant growth in the early spring.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The market value of Europe stood at USD 1.43 billion in 2023 and is expected to hold a significant market share. The regional market is poised for continued growth due to several factors, including rising disposable income, increased interest in gardening, and a rising focus on sustainability. Seed manufacturers have been capitalizing on market trends such as changing consumer preferences, embracing technological advancements, and catering to regional variations, contributing to the market growth in the region. Netherlands, the U.K., and Germany form the major markets for the product. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2021, the top importers of seeds for floriculture were the Netherlands and Germany, where the Netherlands imported USD 72.9 million of seeds, becoming the second largest importer in the world. Moreover, the growing expansion of companies in the region has further fueled market growth. For instance, in July 2021, EconSeeds B.V., a Netherlands-based wholesaler, expanded its unit from Enkhuizen to Hoogkarspel. The company experienced substantial growth in the production and trade of flower seeds, which propelled it to boost its geographical presence.

South America is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period. The growth in the region has been growing due to increasing government and NGOs focus on improving commercial flower cultivation, contributing toward decent revenue to the GDP. Moreover, initiatives promoting green spaces and pollinator-friendly gardens are gaining traction, leading to a heightened demand for wildflowers, native flower mixes and bee-friendly seed options. Consumers are increasingly interested in locally adapted and regionally specific flower varieties, creating opportunities for producers specializing in native and heritage seeds.

The Middle East & Africa is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period. The region has been experiencing increasing demand for aromatic flower plants, which hold deep cultural significance in many Middle East & Africa countries.  These aromatic flowers are used in traditional medicines and religious ceremonies. Moreover, the growing awareness of aromatherapy and the therapeutic properties of various aromatic flowers further create new growth opportunities for the global flower seeds market share in the region. For instance, in July 2023, Saudi farmers focused on jasmine cultivation, planning to sow the seeds of Arabian jasmine in order to expand and boost the cultivation in the region.

The market in North America and Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness substantial growth owing to growing consumer inclination toward indoor gardening and growing demand for floriculture in these regions.

List of Key Companies in Flower Seeds Market

Rising Focus on Merger and Acquisition Strategies to Fuel Market Growth

The market is highly fragmented, with the presence of several small and medium-sized players in the global marketspace. Moreover, prominent players in the market opt for merger and acquisition strategies to consolidate their market share, gain economies of scale, and improve bargaining power with suppliers and distributors. For instance, in October 2023, Sakata Seed Corporation, one of the global leaders in seed breeding and production, acquired a Brazilian seed company, ISLA Sementes. Isla offers seeds to home gardeners and smallholder farmers and has a large share in Brazil. The acquisition would help Sakata offer Isla’a a diverse range of flower seeds and stimulate new customers and demand in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Sakata Seed Corporation (Japan)


• Muller Bloemzaden BV (Netherlands)


• Garden Seeds Market (Poland)


• KIMCO SEEDS INC. (India)


• Urja Agriculture Company (India)


• EconSeeds BV. (Netherlands)


• Dutch Garden Seeds (Netherlands)


• The Seed Company (U.S.)


• Eden Brothers (U.S.)


• Syngenta AG (Switzerland) 

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2023: Epic Gardening, one of the leading brands in gardening, acquired Botanical Interests, a CO-based vegetable, herb and flower seed packet company. The addition of Botanical Interests expanded Epic Gardening’s reach in the wholesale market while offering certified organic and heirloom flower and vegetable seeds.


• November 2022: Sakata Seed Corporation launched a new variety of Begonia "Viking" series. The new variety is a vigorous interspecific hybrid*1 that has incredible garden performance and heat and drought tolerance.


• August 2021: SBM Company, an international leader in natural and traditional products, acquired SPG (Société De Production Grainières), a France-based company in the vegetable and flower seeds segment.


• July 2019: Thompson and Morgan, a seed company, introduced new flower seed varieties such as Nasturtium Baby Deep Rose and Cosmos Apricot Lemonade.


• February 2019: Sakata Seed Corporation opened a new comprehensive operation base in Bengaluru. The new facility is 30,000 m2, which would store flower and vegetable seeds and serve as a base for logistic operations.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market. This market intelligence report also offers a detailed regional and global industry analysis of the market size, market statistics, regional and global market share, and growth rate for all possible market segments. The global market analysis report provides various key insights on the market, an overview of related markets, the competitive landscape, recent industry developments such as mergers, acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends.

Report Scope & Segmentation