University of California
College of Agriculture
Agricultural Experiment Station
Berkeley, California
jthe Vegetable and Flower Seed Industjy
of California
by
R. L. Adams
October 195l
Contribution from the
Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics
Mimeographed Report No. 12ii ^
UMVERSmr OF CALiPOKMA
UBRARY
mxsc:^ OF AGRiaji.Tura
DAVtS
I
Acknowledgments
i'-Ir. Darrell L. Johnson, a recent graduate of the
University of California College of Agriculture,
carried on most of the field work involved in this
study and assisted materially in finally compiling
the information and data. He was principally em-
ployed during the months of February and March 1951.
Appreciation is here also expressed to the
seed company officers and fieldmen and to the
cooperating growers for their aid and valuable
information and data.
And, finally, appreciation is expressed to
Mr. William H. Noble of San Francisco who by a
generous grant to the College of Agriculture,
University of California, made this study possible.
As there were no restrictions attached to this
grant, responsibility for the selection of this
study rests solely with the College. This public
acknowledgment of Ilr. Noble's financial aid carries
with it the thanks and appreciation of the College,
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction -j^
Extent of the Industry i
Seed GroT^ring Contracts [ . 2
General Aspects of the Seed Industry 3
Economics of the Vegetable and Flower Seed Industry 5
Cost of Production \ ' 5
Typical Vegetable Seed Production Data and Operating Costs. [ 6
Beet Seed . ^
Broccoli Seed y
Cabbage Seed 9
Carrot Seed | | -^q
Cauliflower Seed [ ]_2
Celery Seed lU
Lettuce Seed ] 2.0
Onion Seed 2.7
Pea Seed ' [ ^9
Radish Seed [ [ 20
Tomato Seed 21
Yield and Price Data 22
Typical Flower Seed Production Data and Operating Costs 23
General Discussion of Flower Seed Production in California 23
Delphiniu.m Seed 25
Larkspur Seed 25
Pansy Seed ] 26
Petunia Seed 2?
Zinnia Seed ^ 27
Appendix A ^1
Appendix B -52
Appendix C 33
The Vegetable and Flower Seed Industry of California
by
R. L. Adamsi/
Introduction
One of California's important agricultural industries generally little
knovm to those not identified with the industry is the production of vegetable
and flower seeds. Occasionally, an article dealing with this important
industry apaears in a magazine or the agricultural press, but, in general,
little is known of the interesting and extensive industry. It is the purpose
of this report to better inform the layman of a few of the important aspects
of this highly developed indi;istry, with particular reference to its eco-
nomic aspects, and to pay tribute to an Industry that may not be as fully
appreciated as it deserves. If it were not for those who have spent many years
frequently a lifetime — working to produce ample and better stocks, we would
certainly lack the varied supplies of vegetables and the gorgeous displays
of flowers. It is a simple matter to step up to a display rack of attrac-
tive packages. But a lot of work has gone into the breeding (or finding)
of the best available varieties, the growing of the crop, its preparation
for market, and arranging for widespread distribution. It is our hope that
this account will convey some idea of the many details involved in making
vegetable and flower seeds available to the growers of flowers and vege-
tables in the home gardens, in town and in the country, and for the truck
gardens and fields of the commercial growers.
The housewife, familj'- gardener, commercial groxirer, and the trade ove
a continuing vote of thanks to these producers of flower and vegetable
seeds. Working quietly and unassumingly, these growers make available a
steady flow of seeds. They work increasingly to insure needed and adequate
supplies, to create new and better varieties, to keep varieties true to type,
to enliance resistance to disease, and to maintain high germination and
viability. IJithout such goals the grower of vegetables or flowers — be he
a large or a small planter — would certainly be in a bad way. Ttins, the
seed companies occupy a dual position. They produce for the market, putting
up their seeds in attractive colored lithographed packages of various sizes
as well as larger amounts in cloth bags for the wholesale market. In addition,
most companies also conduct extensive breeding experiments in a continual
search for better vegetables and more attractive flovjers.
Extent of the Industry
Statistics concerning the seed-producing industries are difficult to
compile. The best soiorces available to us are the annual reports of the
County Agricultural Commissioners. But these are not necessarily complete,
particularly if the business in a given county is confined to a single company
1/ Professor of Farm Management and Agricultural Economist in the Experi-
ment Station and on the Giannini Foundation.
2
adverse to publishing details of its operations. In other cases, flower and
vegetable seeds are combined or may even include certain field crops seed
(such as inclusion of mustard or sugar beets). Admittedly, the exact status
of the business though interesting is not particularly vital.
A rough approximation of the vegetable and flower seed industry, compiled
from fairly complete data, shows twenty out of fifty-eight counties reporting
acreage of either or both vegetable and flower seeds.
The principal production of flower seeds, as reported by the Agricultural
Commissioners and from our field inquiry, centered in Santa Barbara, Monterey,
San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. Similarly,
vegetable seed production valued at ^50,000 or more was reported for Fresno,
Imperial, Kern, Monterey, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Sutter, and
Ventura counties.
Eight counties reporting production of flower seeds in 19^0 indicated an
acreage of about three thousand acres (2,970) and a value of *l,l8i4,6ll.
Nineteen counties reported 8,137 acres in vegetable seeds, with a value of
almost 2 milJ.ion dollars (4^1,925,066).
Growing of vegetable and flower seeds is carried on both by (l) the
seed companies on owned or rented lands and (2) selected farmers who, under
contract, produce for some company. There is no open market for vegetable or
flower seeds, A grower who can negotiate a purchase contract is assured of a
market, but producing without a contract is certainly hazardous.
Seed Growing Contracts
Private growers (as distinct from seed companies), in general, grow seed
year after year depending, however, upon the contract price offered, the past
profit experience, expected profit in relation to other crop enterprises, and
growers' preference. The seed companies prefer to deal with these experienced
growers and will contract to the extent of their sales estimates minus inven-
tory and their own production. There appears to be little bargaining in regard
to contract price since it is a relatively set figure for each variety.
Sacks, twine, and canvas are supplied to the grower by the seed company
at no charge except for loss. The seed company usually supplies a thresher
whore needed either free of charge, with a charge based upon weight of seed
threshed, or on an acreage basis, the charge being deducted from the grower's
check. Some contracts provide that the seed company pay half the cost. There
is also a credit clause in some contracts whereby the grower can borrow money
from the seed company, the amount being dependent upon the condition of the
crop and the purpose of the loan. None of the growers contacted were making
use of this credit feature.
Growers are paid the contract price on the basis of recleaned seed which
meets germination standards. The company is obligated to take the total seed,
produced by the grower, that qualifies. Contracts always have a germination
clause to the effect that germination must be above a stated minimum or there
is a reduction in contract price or no payment whatsoever.
3.
Goneral Aspects of the Seed Industry-
Acreage of seed production changes every year depending upon the outlook
for sales estimates and available inventory. Seed yields are extremely vari-
able, with some varieties producing seasonal variations from 150 pounds per
acre to 1,000 pounds per acre. This factor adds to the difficulty of deter-
mining yearly plantings of numerous varieties.
Vegetable seed crops require much labor for transplanting, thinning,
hoeing, and harvesting. Growers hire needed labor from labor contractors in
some cases and from seed companies in others. P.t the time of this study,
Mexican Nationals were present in all areas working in the seed fields
either under labor contractors or directly for seed companies. Migrant
labor is also used when unoccupied in other agricultural fields.
Weeds must be kept under control as much as possible to prevent seed
contamination. Weed seeds are removed at the seed mill by gravity, fans, or
screens, but in some instances the weed seed is nearly the same size and
weight as the seed being grown. An example is pigweed seed and celery seed.
Hhese seeds are different in color but of very similar size and weight making
separation very difficult.
The control of insects and diseases is a major problem. Germination and
yield are definitely decreased if aphids, lygus bugs, and other insects are
not controlled. VJhen seed pods are formed, insects burrow inside to destroy
seed. Mildew and other fungus growth must be controlled during the life of
the plant.
After the plants "boltyi/ they become too tall to apply dust and spray
with ground rigs and it is necessary to use air application by plane or heli-
copter.
Seed harvest comss along in midsummer and runs into late fall. The
harvestin.fj is done by machine or with hand labor. Many of the vegetable and
most of the flower seeds are harvested by hand. The seed stocks are cut and
spread on canvas sheets in the fields to dry.
Tlrireshing is generally done by machine, but some seed, such as lettuce,
is rubbed by hand (called "shagging") or is separated by using a roller and
tractor.
Final storage and marketing of the seed are carefully done by the company.
Bags of seed are labeled as to variety with a label inside the bag. This
safeguards the Identity of the seed in the event that the outer label is torn
off or mutilated.
The seed is delivered to the company mill where it is recleaned. The
company sends a germination sample to an agricultural laboratory to determine
per cent germination. Minimum acceptable germination for vegetable seed is
1/ Send up seed stalks.
usually 85 per cent, yet the majority of seed actually grades 90 to 99 per
cent. Germination of flower seed differs greatly. It is very difficult to
obtain germination results in the laboratory which will coincide with those
in the field. The reason is apparently not known, but duplication of field
conditions in the control laboratory is apparently not possible. Germination
tests may run 10 to 99 per cent in the laboratory with reverse results in the
field.
With vegetable seeds having below minimum germination percentage, it is
sometimes possible to store the seed for a period of time during which the
nonviable seed will shrink and lose weight and can then be separated giving
a second sample that will measure up to germination standards. This reduces
the income to the grovrer but prevents a complete loss.
Beans for seed represent a further problem with regard to "cylinder
cracks." The bean sprout located just below the hard seed coating can
easily be cracked when threshing and recleaning the bean. Five per cent
"cylinder cracks" is usually the maximum allowable for seed beans. In the
thresher the cylinder speed and spacing must be carefully watched to prevent
this cracking. Equipment handling seed beans in the mill must be carefully
designed and operated to prevent beans from falling any distance as this,
too, will crack the coating and damage the seed. Nongerminating bean seed
is sometimes stored in damp climate which will induce seed to germinate.
According to the trade, California-produced seed is considered superior
to seed produced in other parts of the United States and foreign countries.
Because of the favorable weather during harvest season and the warm growing
conditions, both germination and viability are high.
One problem facing California producers today is high labor costs.
This is particularly important to producers of flower seeds. Labor costs
may run upward of ^100 or more per acre for growing costs alone. Harvesting
adds $50 to $75 per acre. High land values and high rents, plus increasing
irrigation costs in roost of the areas, also tend to raise the cost of pro-
duction. Another factor affecting the seed industry is competition with
foreign-produced seed. At present the tariff on vegetable and flower seeds
is low. This is shown by the following table which sets forth the rates
as written into the Tariff Act of 1930 (col. 2) and the rates prevailing in
19U8 (col. 3) following several adjustments under provisions of the Reciprocal
Trade Agreement Act as amended.
It is estimated that many varieties of flower seeds can enter this
country at about one-a_uartar the cost of California production because of
the much lower vrage scale prevailing in foreign countries. In the major
California flower seed producing area, it is said that the acreage has de-
creased by approximately one-third due to the increased importation of foreign
seeds since the end of World War II. It is said that vegetable seed producers
do not have to compete with imports to the extent that flower seedsmen must.
Seed producers in California are very much aware of this threat to their
industry. The only apparent solution to the problem, as they visualize it,
is an increase in tariff rates. Technological advances are being made by
local producers wherever this can be done without sacrificing quality. But
5.
technological changes alone cannot take care of the wide differences between
foreign and domestic costs because the flower seed business is characterized
by high hand-labor costs.
TABLE 1
Tariff Rates on Importations
1
i^inxi raue
Tariff r
ate
besu
lyjU iariii Act
19ii8
X
1 —
3
cents
per pound
Beet (garden)
u
Cabbage
12
5
Carrot
3
Cauliflower
no
change
Celery
2
1
Onion
15
no
change
Parsley
2
no
chan^
Parsnip
h
3
Pepper
15
10
Radish
6
2
Spinach
1
1
2
Flower
6
3
Not specifically provided for
all seeds
/*
0
1
2
1
Economics of the Vegetable and Flower Seed Industry^/
Inquiries into yields, contract prices, and costs of production which
are significant econoaiie aspects are outlined in some detail in the
paragraphs which follow.
l/ To provide data and information for this report, a field survey was
conducted during the period February 7 to March 31, inclusive, 1951. Six-
teen counties for which vegetable and/or flower sued production was reported
vrere visited during this period. These counties were: Fresno, Imperial,
Kern, Los Angeles, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Benito, San Luis
Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanisla.us, and
Ventura.
Seed companies contacted in this survey were both wholesale and retail
producers. Many of the larger companies have fieldmen operating in the dif-
ferent producing areas. Companies contacted were: Associated Seed Growers,
Inc., Eodger Seods, Ltd., W. Atlee Burpee Seed Co., Denholm Seed Co., Waller-
Franklin Seed Co., MacDonald Seed Co., Desert Seed Co., Ferry-Morse Seed Co.,
Geo. Loomis Seed Co., Ro,jas Seed Co., Kellogg Seed Co., Waldo Rohnert Co.,
Haven Seed Co., Germain Sued and Plant Co., Aggeler and Musser Seed Co., and
Pieters-VJheeler Seed Co. In addition to these sixteen firms, there are another
twenty-one or so California companies who, for lack of time, could not be
contacted.
In addition, data were collected from over two score growers and seed
company fieldmen available in each of the seed-growing localities visited.
L
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(
i
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t
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6.
Costs of Production
Data of costs are not too plentiful, but tjTjical figures were determined
during the course of our survey. Due to the strict competition present within
the industry, many questions were left unanswered as they were considered
confidential. This made it diffiailt to determine estimates of cost of pro-
duction and average net returns to growers. In fairness to the comoanies it
must be pointed out that costs are very difficult, if not impossible, to de-
termine on some varieties as the acreage planted is very small. In flower
seed production, plots as small as one-sixteenth of an acre may constitute
the total acreage planted in one area. Ihere is considerable spread between
that price paid per pound to the grower and the final retail price. But it
must be kept in mind that the price paid to the producer is only one of the
costs of the seed company. They have many costs, including storage, distribu-
tion, breeding, and administrative, to consider when determining retail price.
General Costs.— General costs common to several kinds of seed were foxmd
to be as shown in Appendices A, B, and C.
Other Costs.— Using the general costs as set forth in the Appendices and
adding costs applicable to a given seed crop, total figures for each of several
vegetable seed crops were determined to be as set forth below,
lypical Vegetable Seed Production Data and Operating Costs
Beet Seed .
Beets are transplanted in December to early February to oroduce seed in
July and August. Ihe beets are transplanted to 36-inch rows on flat land.
Ihere are about 8,000 to 10,000 roots planted per acre which gives a spacing
of approximately 16 inches. Hiere may be a pref ertilization of 700 to 1,000
pounds per acre of a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-5.
It is usually necessary to irrigate soon after planting plus two to
three additional irrigations. Beets react well to early applications of
ammonia gas if the pref ertilizing is omitted or did not show adequate results.
Five cultivations are usually necessary and one hand hoeing to keep the
weeds under control. Eventually, beets shade the ground thus reducing the
weed problem,
Lygus bugs affect germination and thus affect yield if not controlled.
Five per cent D.D.T. will give adequate control. It is used two to three
times during the season in 5^0 poiands per acre applications and applied by
airplane. In areas ai'f acted by rust, it may be necessary to use sulfur as
a control measure.
After the beets have "bolted" and the seed stock is 12 to l5 inches
high, it is tipped. This has the effect of causing the beet to become bushy.
It sends up other seed stocks which increases the yield. Tipping is also
done to prevent the beet from becoming too tall and blowing out of the ground
in a hard wind.
7
Harvesting is usually done by handj the seed stocks are cut and windrowed
in the same operation and left to dry. A tractor-mounted mower is in use but
is still in the experimental stage.
After about ten days' drying time, the best seed is threshed. The
machine is usually either rented to the grower by the contracting seed company
or threshing is contracted.
TABLE 2
Table Beet Seed: Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
1 3.82
Disking (2 times)
2.28
Harrowing (2 times)
.70
Pref ertilizing:
700 pounds of 10-10-5
26.00
Applying
1.51
Transplanting
2.57
Irrigating (3 times):
Labor
6.75
Water (3 acre-feet)
9.00
Cultivating (h times)
h.6h
Hoeing (l5 man-hours)
11.25
Dusting (3 times):
150 pounds of D.D.T.
12.00
Applying
7.50
Harvesting (by hand; 35 man-hoors)
26.25
Threshing (contracted at $1.25 per cwt.,
based on 1,875 pounds field run)
23.U5
Taxes
10.00
Total
.flU9.72
Cost per pound (based on clean yield
of 1,500 pounds)
10.0 cents
Broccoli Seed .
Planting- broccoli for seed takes place in the fall and winter months of
September through November throughout the state. One to l| pounds of seed
are planted to the acre two rows to a bed. One pound of broccoli seed will
produce approximately U8,000 plants, but by planting close and later thinning,
there is a better chance of getting a full stand.
It is a general practice to irrigate soon after planting to insure
adequate moisture until spring. Three to four more irrigations are needed in
the spring, from iJarch to the last of May.
i
8.
Thinning is done when the plants have been in the ground about forty-five
days. The plants are generally thinned to lii inches, and the spacings are
staggered to give the plant enough room for its side shoots.
Fertilizing consists of an apulication of 300 pounds per acre of a
complete fertilizer such as 10-10-5.
It may be necessary to dust for aphis one to three times in the fall with
30 pounds per acre of 5 per cent D.D.T. Two or more dustings may also be
necessary in the spring as aphides are quite troublesome in broccoli.
If the market is favorable, in December to January the growers may go
through the field and remove the center bunch for sale since this practice
causes the plant to produce more seed-bearing shoots. In some cases, this
practice is followed even though the broccoli cannot be marketed since the
amount of seed produced by the additional side shoots more than covers the
cost of remo-'/ing the center bunch. It may be necessary to give the broccoli
an additional irrigation and hO to 50 pounds per acre of ammonia gas right
after cutting to insure good growth.
Two or three cultivations are required during the season, and it is
generally necessary to hoe twice to control the weeds.
Broccoli seed is harvested in June and July throughout the state. The
harvesting is done by the seed comrjany in certain instances, but generally
the grower does it himself or contracts the job. The seed is cut by hand and
windrowed in one operation. After a drying period of three to five days, the
seed is threshed with a harvester equipped with a pickup attachment.
TABLE 3
Broccoli Seed; Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
Disking (2 times)
Making beds
Planting
Irrigating {k times):
Labor
VJater (2.5 acre-feet)
Cultivating (3 times)
Thinning (20 man-hours)
Hoeing (2 times j 10 man-hours)
Dusting (2 times):
DO pounds of 5 per cent D.D.T.
Applying
Fertilizing:
300 pounds of 10-10-5
Applying , .
Ammonia gas (30 pounds)
Removing centers (5 man-hours)
Harvest and windrow (by hand; 25 man-hours)
Threshing
Taxes
Total ,
Cost per pound (based on yield
of 1,000 pounds)
$ 3.82
2.28
2.83
1.97
10.00
7.50
1+.08
15.00
7.50
ii.8o
3.00
12.00
1.51
3.00
^75
10.00
$126.67
12.6 cents
1
9
Cabbage Seed .
Cabbage is planted in August and September for seed production. The seed
is planted two rows on a bed, 1 to l-f inches deep. Hie seed is sown at the
rate of 2 to 3 pounds per acre. Biis gives a spacing of 3 to it inches, the
plants later being thinned to 10 to 12 inches.
It is a general practice to irrigate soon after planting. The soil is
usually quite dry in August and September, and some moisture is needed to start
the plants growing. About three or four more irrigations are required through
the season.
The soil must be cultivated about four times depending upon the weed
problem. There are usually two hand hoeirigs during the season — the first time
in late September or October after thinning and the second time in the spring
around March.
About thirty days after planting, the cabbage is thinned to 10 or 12
inches. This spacing is large enough to allow ample growing room. As in
other seed crops, a short-handled hoe is used to remove the excess plants.
It requires a crew of thirty to forty men.
It is usually necessary to control insects, especially aphis, in the
fall. One or two dustings with 5 per cent D.D.T, at the rate of hO pounds
per acre are used. There may be more dusting required in the spring.
To enable the seed stock to push its way through the cabbage head, it
is necessary to remove part of the head. The head is usually cut off about
one-third the way up, parallel to the gromd, with a large knife. If the
market price will Justify it, the heads can be marketed and are removed
leaving only a couple of wrapper leaves. The cabbage is usually headed in
December or January,
In some areas the land is prefer tilized with 2^0 to 300 pounds per acre
of a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-5. A side dressing of 300 to kOO pounds
is also used later in the season, or 60 to 80 pounds of ammonia gas is added.
Harvesting extends from July into September, the actual time depending
on the locality and the time of planting. This is generally a hand operation
and consists of cutting the seed stocks and piling in windrows, A machine is
available that cuts the stocks and conveys them into a windrow by means of a
drapper, but the hand method seems to be used more often. After a dr^'ing
period, the seed is threshed in a small machine. The seed company sometimes
rents the grower a machine and sometimes does the complete harvest, the cost
being deducted from the seed pajnnent.
1
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10.
TABLE h
Cabbage Seed; Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, ctnd C for details)
Items
Cost per acr<
3
Plowing
$ 3.82
Disking (2 times)
2.28
Making beds
2.83
Planting
1.97
Irrigating {k times):
Labor
9.00
Water {3 acre-reet)
9.00
Cultivating (1; times)
5.UU
Thinning (25 man-hours)
18.75
Hoeing (2 times j 10 man-hours)
7.50
Fertilizing:
UOO pounds of 10-10-5
16.00
Applying
1.51
Dusting (2 times):
80 pounds of 5 per cent D.D.T.
6.40
Applying
k.OO
Removing heads (1$ man-hours)
11.25
Harvesting and windrowing (by hand; 25 man-hours)
18.75
Ihreshing
lii.88
Taxes
10.00
Total
I1U3.38
Cost per pound (based on yield
of 1,200 pounds)
i
lii.O cents
1
1
Carrot Seed .
Carrot seed is produced by transplanting the complete mature carrot.
Transplanting takes place from November to December in Fresno County, from
December to January in San Benito County, and as late as January and February
in Riverside and Ventura comities. The carrots are planted one row to a bed
or on the flat in rows 3 feet apart. Planting procedure depends on the
character of the soil and grower's preference. From 8,000 to 12,000 roots
(about 1 ton) are planted to the acre. The root stock is generally supplied
by the seed company. In some cases, there is a charge of $20 to $25 per acre,
and in others there is no charge. The contract price will vary depending
upon whether the roots are supplied.
In some areas the land is pref ertilized with 500 to 1,000 pounds per acre
of a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-5. There is usually a side dressing
of about hOO pounds per acre with more nitrogen such as 16-20-0 or 17-7-0
after four months. Some growers prefer l50 to 200 pounds per acre of ammonia
gas in place of the complete fertilizers.
11.
In some areas, depending on the rainfall, it is necessary to irrigate
the carrots right after planting. There are usually three to five irrigations
and four to six cultivations throughout the season. Tliere have been trials,
reported successful, by the use of 35 gallons per acre of stove oil to kill
the early weed crops. Usually, two weedings are needed during the season
depending how heavy the weeds are.
Lygus bugs are liable to be troublesome and, if not controlled, bore
into the seed and decrease both yield and germination. Two to three dustings
may be necessary in the season to obtain control (generally, 5 per cent D.D.T,
is used), but in some instances it has been necessary to use 10 gallons per
acre of a 2^ per cent D.D.T. emulsion. Spraying and dusting are done by air-
plane or helicopter. Thrip must also be controlled but is not as serious
as lygus bugs. If rust is present, it will also affect carrot seed but is
generally a secondary problem.
Harvesting generally takes place during August to September. Carrot
seed can be harvested in one of three ways. If there are no weeds present,
it is possible to use direct combining, cut the stocks by hand or by machine,
and pile on canvas sheets. Because of the seed lost through the combine,
this method is not used extensively. The returns will be almost the same
by using hand labor so there is no gain in the end by using the combine.
In areas where the soil is light, it is not possible to use the mowing
machine as the stocks will pull out of the ground instead of being cut.
At harvest time the stocks and carrot roots become very tough and are dif-
ficult to cut or break. The stocks grow to heights of from 1; to 5 feet,
and the seed pod at the top is heavy enough to cause the plant to fall and
pull the root out of the ground. The carrots are often planted as close as
6 to 9 inches to allow them to lean on each other and prevent their pulling
out.
After a ten-day drying period, the carrot seed is either threshed by
machine or rolled with a tractor and roller.
IT
12.
TABLE 5
Carrot Seeds Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
$ 3.82
Diskxng (2 times)
2.28
Furrowing ^2 times)
1.10
Pref ertilizing:
500 po\inds or 10-10-5
20.00
Applying
1.33
Transplanting
2.57
Fertilizing growing crop;
UOO pounds of 17-7-0
lu.UO
Applying
1.33
Irrigating (U times):
Labor (12 man-hours)
9.00
Water (3 acre-feet)
9.00
Cultivating (5 times)
6.80
Dusting:
80 pounds of 5 per cent D.D.T.
6.I4O
Applying
h.OO
Hoeing (2 times; 15 man-hours)
11.25
Harvesting (by hand; 35 man-hours)
26.25
Threshing (by contract; 1,U00 pounds field run
at 75 cents per cwt.)
10.50
Taxes
10.00
Total
1155.76
Cost per pound (based on a recleaned
yield of 800 pounds)
19. U cents
Cau3.iflower Seed .
The Snowball variety of cauliflower is planted in September and October
to produce seed in the follovJing Atigust. This report is for the Snowball
variety as the grov/ers contacted were growing principally that variety.
The Broccoli variety has a very similar growing habit but is two months
earlier being planted in July to produce seed in the following June.
Cauliflower is seeded about 3/U to 1 pound per acre, 1 pound of seed
producing in the vicinity of 60,000 plants. The land is worked up into beds
36 inches apart with one row to a bed.
In about sixty days the cauliflower is thinned to I8 to 2k inches to
allow ample growing room. Cauliflower will not do well if confined to a small
growing space.
Generally, four cultivations are required through the season, the first
one being before the thinning operation. In addition, it is necessary to hoe
the field twice to control the weeds.
13.
Because of September planting, it is usually necessary to irrigate once
before the rains; a total of five Irrigations is generally required during
the season.
A side dressing of 3^0 to hOO pounds of a commercial fertilizer, rich
in phosphorous, is usually applied shortly after thinning. A common fertilizer
used is 11-U8-0 for a heavy application of phosphorous seems to increase germi-
nation. If the soil is slightly depleted at planting time, it is ad-rlsable
to prefertilize with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-5.
One or two dusting are required to control insects, especially aphis.
Aphis, if not adequately controlled, will bore into the seed pods and blight
the seed decreasing both yield and germination. One ^O-pouud per acre ap-
plication of 5 per cent D.D.T. in July may give the control.
The heads are cut by hand in the latter part of August and laid in the
field to dry. After tliree to four days in the field, they are piled on
canvas sheets to dry completely. Ihreshing is done with an A.C. All Crop
thresher possibly supplied by the seed company. The machine can do about
2 acres per day and, in addition, requires two men, one of which may be sup-
plied by the seed company, and a tractor.
Because of the large amount of seed per pound, there is not a very large
acreage of cauliflower seed raised each year; also, the crop requires quite a
bit of care to insure a good yield. The crop must be kept moist and fertile
as cauliflower will not withstand droughts.
TABLE 6
Cauliflower Seed: Cost of Production
Items
Cost per acre
Production of cauliflower seed parallels the
methods used in producing cabbage seed.
There are a few minor differences, however.
Items of plowing, disking, making beds,
planting, irrigating, cultivating, thin-
ning, hoeing, fertilizing, and dusting —
all preharvest items — total about the same
as cabbage.
^ 88.50
Harvesting is somewhat different. This opera-
tion calls for cutting the heads by hand
(involving 20 man-hours) and piling on
sheets (another 3 man-hours per acre) — a
total of 23 man-hours .
. 17.25
Threshing cost is about the same.
lU.88
Taxes are the same.
10,00
Hence: Total cost of production, per acre
Cost per pound of seed (based on a yield of
350 pounds)
$130.63
37.3 cents
I Hi.
I
Celery Seed , ,
Celery root stock is transplanted in the month of December to produce
seed in September and October, The plants are spaced 8 to 10 inches apart
in one row on a bed. The roots of transplants are 2 to 3 inches in length
and are planted 1 to 2 inches deep. The plants are not disturbed for about
thirty days to be sijre they take root.
It is necessary to cultivate celery six times during the season and
hand hoe two to three times. After about four months, it is impossible to
get into the field with eqvdpment and any weed control from then on is done
by hand.
Six irrigations throughout the season are generally sxifficient. Celery
must not be allowed to dry out for any length of time as it will retard the
plants considerably.
Aphis and lygus must be effectively controlled to produce a high germi-
nating crop of celery seed. It is necessary to dust three to four times to
maintain adequate control of the insects.
A side dressing of UOO to 500 poiinds per acre of a complete fertilizer
is usually applied in the spring in March or April — 10-10-$ seems to fulfill
the requirements. Some growers, in addition to the side dressing, apply
UOO to 600 pounds of ammonia gas later in the season around May. The ammonia
gas gives the celery a good boost and produces considerable grovrth.
The harvest is mainly done by hand labor, but some growers use a semi-
machine method in which the seed stocks are cut by a mower arrangement, and
men following the tractor spread the stocks on a canvas sheet to dry. The
celery stocks are turned twice on the canvas to allow even drying and pre-
vent the stocks from heating up. The seed is dried for about two weeks.
Threshing is done by machine usually supplied to the grower at no
direct charge. The process is quite slow as the seed must be very dry to
thresh and is run through the machine very slowly. It takes approximately
8 hours of threshing to care for 1 acre under good conditions.
15.
TABLE 7
Celery Seed; Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, E, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
$ 3.82
Disking (2 times)
2.28
Making beds
2.83
Transplanting
2.57
Cultivating (6 times)
8.16
Irrigating (6 times);
Water (3h acre-feet)
10.50
Applying (l8 man-hours)
13.50
Hoeing (3 times; 10 man-hours)
7.50
Fertilizing!
(a) kOO pounds 10-10-5
32.00
ADDlyinp
1.33
(b) UOO pounds total ammonia, applied
Uo.OO
in 3 irrigations
Dusting (3 times):
l50 pounds 5 ver cent D.D.T.
. 12.00
Applying
7.50
Harvesting (hand; 50 man-hours)
37.50
Threshing (3M lOT thresher — cost per day,
m2.75; output, 1 acre; and cost per
acre, $U2.75)
U2.75
Taxes
10.00
Total
Cost per pound (based on yield of
1,100 pounds)
21.3 cents
Lettuce Se ed.
Lettuce for seed is planted from September l5 to March l5 depending
upon the variety and the weather conditions of the area. September plantings
take place in Iraperial Valley onlyj the other areas begin in December. The
seed is planted two rows on a bed about 1 to 2 inches deep. Approximately
1 pound per acre is seeded. This rate gives a very close stand. VJhen the
plants are about 2 inches high, they are thinned to 8 to 10 inches apart.
The reason for planting hea.-';y and then thinning is to insure a stand.
Thinning l5 to 30 acres requires a large nuiriber of men, as many as thirty-
five to forty men at one time, hired as a crew. The operation is performed
with a short-handled hoe. The men work in a stooping position and grub out
the plants leaving one every 8 to 10 inches. Weeds are also hoed out when
thinning. A heavy growth of weeds slows down the thinning considerably.
After the lettuce has headed, it is necessary to go through the field
and remove the heads either by smashing them or cutting them in half or
completely removing them. The head must be cut or smashed to allow the
i
16.
seed stock to push its way through. VJhen the seed stock appears, the lettuce
is said to be "bolting." In the Imperial Valley the head is removed and
marketed if the price justifies. 1h±s reduces the cost of growing the seed.
The yield will not be as great as if the fie].d had been planted for market
as a portion of the crop is removed when the field is rogued, Roguing is
done by the seed company, and its purpose is to pull out any plants which are
not true to type. As high as 50 per cent of the stand may be removed under
extreme circumstances. Areas other than Imperial Valley reported marketing
the heads as impossible since it is necessary to remove them before they had
become solid and therefore of little or no value.
In most regions the seed is harvested around July and in May and June in
Imperial Valley, The majority of the seed is cut by hand and piled on canvas
sheets to dry and cure. These large canvas sheets are supplied by the seed
company and are laid out through the field usually two to three to an acre.
There is a mowing machine to cut the seed stocks, but it is in very limited
use. The seed pods will break open very easily and scatter the seed at
harvest time, and the machine reportedly shatters the seed too freely.
After two to three days drying, the piles must be turned over to prevent
heating and mildew. This is a hand operation, Vfnen the seed is thoroughly
dry, the edges of the canvas are rolled over which then encloses the seed in
a large bag. Ihese bags are then rolled under a tractor and roller to break
the stocks and pods and to break all the seed loose from the pods. The seed
is then either run through a small harvester or a fanning machine to remove
the stocks and chaff.
Due to the dryness in Imperial Valley, lettuce seed there is harvested
by a method called "shagging." VForkers go through the field with a canvas
bag held open by a wire ring, the ripe seed pods then being placed inside
the bag and rubbed by hand to break the seed loose. A second harvest is
usually necessary in about ten days to collect the ripening seed, Tnis
method' is used in preference to the others as it reduces shattering.
To get high germinating lettuce seed, it is necessary to control aphis,
lygus, thrip, and fungi such as mildew. This is generally accomplished by
air applications of 5 per cent D.D.T. and sulfior.
17.
TABLE 8
Lettuce Seed: Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
f 3.o2
Disking (2 times;
Making beds
Pref ertilizing :
^00 pounds of 10-10-5
ori r\r\
Applying
1.33
Preirrigating :
Labor
water (,3/u acre-foot;
Planting
1.97
Irrigating times):
Labor
y.OO
Water (1 acre-foot)
3.00
Cultivating times)
O.OU
Thinning (22 man-hours)
16.50
Weeding (2 times; 10 man-nours)
Dusting (2 times}:
7.50
6.U0
60 pounds 5 per cent D.D.T.
Applying
Harvesting (by hand; 25 man-hours)
18.75
Curing (turning piles; 3 man-hours)
2.25
Rolling (IM lOT roller — cost per day.
$23.25; output, 1 acre; cost per acre.
$23.25)
23.25
Beating and cleaning (2M; total 6 hours)
U.50
Taxes
10.00
Total
1148.68
Cost per pound (based on yield of
iiOO pounds)
37.2 cents
Onion Seed .
To produce onion seed it is necessary to plant onion bulbs (called
"sets") in the fall of the year, September to November. The bulbs are trans-
planted into 3-foot rows spaced about 6 inches apart. Ihe transplanting is
done by machine >Tith men following to set the biolbs in an upright position.
After taking root, they are covered with soil and left in the field to lie
dormant through the winter. In the spring the bulb sprouts and continues
growing. Later in the spring, the onion bolts and sends up the seed stock.
The seed stock generally grows to about 5 feet in height. One bulb may send
up four to five stocks. The seed pod forms on the top of the stock.
During the growing season, it is necessary to irrigate and fertilize the
onion. Tne weeds must be kept down in the early part of the season by hoeing
18.
I
and cultivating as it is impossible to get into the field when the seed stocks
gain in height. Selective sprays have been used with success on the early
weed crops. The time of application is when the onions are about 2 inches
high.
In the Imperial Valley it is possible to grow onion seed on a "seed-to-
seed" basis. Planting U to 6 pounds per acre of seed in September to October,
the bulb will grow and is left in the ground. Starting in the spring, it will
also bolt as do the onions grown from sets.
It is very important to control thrip when producing onion seed as
they bore into the seed pods and decrease yield and germination. Five per
cent D.D.T. and sulfur applied by air is the most vddely used control.
Harvesting is mostly a hand operation; the seed stocks are cut and
spread on canvas sheets to dry. It is necessary to turn the piles over
as with lettuce seed.
Onion seed is generally threshed by machine — either the cylinder-rub
bar type machine or a rubber-roller bean typo. Germination is lowered if
careful harvest methods are not used. The seed will crack quite easily
and when cracked fails to germinate. In some areas growers choose the
rolling and fanning method of harvest. This is more expensive due to the
labor required and the slowness, but they believe they are ahead because
of the higher germination obtained.
TAEL^ 9
Onion Seed; Cost of Production (From Sets — Bulbs)
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
Disking (2 times)
Furrowing (3 times)
I'ransplanting
Setting bulbs upright (l5 man-hours)
Irrigating (6 times):
Labor
Water (3 acre-feet)
Cultivating (5 times)
Fertilizing:
700 pounds of 10-10-5
Applying
Dusting (u times):
l60 pounds of 5 per cent D.D.T.
Hoeing'^|2^ times; 30 man-hovirs)
Weeding (60 man-hours)
Harvesting (by hand; 35 man-hours)
Curing (drying) — (6 man-hours)
Tnreshing (cost per day, $1U.88; output,
2 acres; cost per acre, $7.Ui;)
Taxes
Total
Cost per pound (based on a yield of
600 pounds)
$ 3.62
2.28
2.16
2.57
11.25
13.50
6.80
28.00
1.33
12.00
8. go
22.50
!i5.00
26.25
U.50
7.UU
10.00
^i;2i6.Uo
36,1 cents
19.
Pea Seed .
Garden variety peas are planted for seed in January at the rate of 60
pounds per acre. They are planted in 26-inch rows on flat ground. It is
generally not necessary to preirrigate, but if the soil is abnormally dry
due to little rainfall, it is necessary to preirrigate or follow planting with
an irrigation. Ihere are generally five irrigations during the season
including one of those mentioned above.
Three cultivations, plus two hoeings with a rotary hoe, are needed to
keep the early weed crop under control. The rotary hoe can be used up to the
time the plants are approximately sixty days old. In addition to the above
hoeings, it may be necessary in some areas to hoe once more by hand.
It is usually necessary to dust one to two times for insects using 5
per cent D.D.T. in SO pounds per acre applications, or some growers prefer
B.H.C. at 30 pounds per acre. Dusting is done by air when the peas are in
blossom.
The peas are harvested in the latter part of June using the same
equipment as in harvesting beans. The peas are cut with a bean cutter mounted
on a tractor. The peas are windrowed the same day and left to dry for ten to
fifteen days depending on weather conditions. Hireshing is usually hired
using the rubber-roller bean-type thresher. The price is 50 cents per
hundredweight in the dirt, the loss due to dirt and waste amounting to 10
to l5 per cent.
Ihe contract price on seed peas has steadily decreased since 19l;6, the
price being 6-1 A cents per poiind in 19^0 . There has been a corresponding
decrease in the acreage planted in California as the growers feel this price
does not cover their cost of production. Peas can be raised at a lower
cost in Oregon than in California, but there is more risk involved. The
heavy rains have washed out the crop in Oregon on different occasions.
Therefore, the seed companies continue to plant a smaller California acreage
as a hedging measure so that they will have a portion of their needed seed
in the event that the Oregon crop is washed out.
j
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j
1
I
20.
TABLE 10
Garden Pea Seeds Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, B, and C for details)
Items
Cost per acre
Plowing
$ 3.82
Disking (2 times)
2.28
Furrowing
.72
Planting
1.97
Irrigating (5 time s ) :
11.25
Labor
Water (2 acre-feet)
✓ — —
6.00
Cultivating and furrowing (3 times)
U.08
Hoeing (2 times):
(IM lOT rotary hoe — cost per day.
$17.10; output, 30 acres; cost per
l.lU
acre, $.57)
Hoeing (by hand; 10 man-hours)
Dusting (1 time);
7.50
U.oo
50 pounds D.D.T.
Applying
2.00
Cutting vines;
(IM lOT cutter— cost per day, |17.19j
output, 30 acres; cost per acre, $,$7)
.57
Raking vines:
(IM lOT side-delivery rake — cost per day.
117.10; outout, 25 acres; cost per acre.
.68
1.68)
Threshing (contracted at 50 cents per 100
pounds, yield of 2,200 pounds)
11.00
Taxes (land double cropped)
5.00
Total
1 62.01
Cost per pound (based on a yield of
2.8 cents
2,200 pounds)
Radish Seed .
Radish for seed is planted from December to January. The seed is
planted two rows on a bed, the beds being 36-inch centers. Ihe seed is
planted 8 to 10 pounds per acre; this gives a very heavy stand which is
thinned to 1 to 2 inches thirty to forty-five days after planting.
Three irrigations from April to July are necessary with ammonia gas
being applied at the rate of 50 po\inds per acre on the first and third irri-
gations .
Radishes are usually cultivated three times, the third cultivation being
in April as it is impossible to get into the field with equipment after April,
Some years it is not necessary to dust, but if aphis is bad, a dusting
is given using 35 to hO pounds per acre of D.D.T. applied by air.
21.
Two hoeings are generally required, hut, they are lighter operations than
is the case with most seed crops. Radishes have a very dense stand only
being thinned to 1 to 2 inches. Therefore, they shade the ground which
reduces the weed problem.
Harvesting is done by mc?.chine in July. A mower and a side-delivery rake
mounted on a tractor complete the operation in one trip through the field.
After three to four weeks' drying time, the radish seed is threshed. The
complete threshing job is done by the see^d company, usually, as it requires a
large special-type radish thresher. There is no charge for the threshing,
but it is taken into account when the contract price is determined.
TABLE 11
Radish Seed: Cost of Production
(See Appendices A, P., and C for details)
T -h p f n q
X Ov ilio
Cost per acre
Plowing
Disking (? times)
Harrowing (2 times)
Making beds
Planting
Irrigating (3 times):
Labor
Water (2.5 acre-feet)
Cultivating (3 times)
Thinning (20 man-hours)
Fertilizing (100 pounds of ammonia gas):
(1 each during first and third irrigations)
Dusting (1 time):
I4.O pounds of 5 per cent D.D.T.
Applying
Hoeing (2 times; 7 man-hours)
Harvesting — cutting stalks and '-findrowing
(contracted at $10.00 per acre)
Threshing (done by seed company)
Taxes
Total
j Cost per poxind (based on a yield of 1,200
pounds per acre)
$ 3.32
2.28
.70
2.83
1.97
6.75
7.50
2.08
15.00
■ 10.00
3.20
2.00
5.25
10.00
10.00
e 83.38
7.0 cents
Tomato Seed .
Tomatoes raised for seed are grown in the same manner as tomatoes
raised for canning. If the crop is grown from seed, the planting is done
around the first of April. If the crop is raised from transplants, the
transplanting is done in May and June. The only difference between a crop
m
I
I
I
22.
of tomatoes raised for canning or for seed is that the seed crop is rogued by
ths seed co.npany. This may reduce the yield 10 to 2^ per cent depending upon
the field. If the field appears to be true to type, there may be only a
slight reduction in yield from that of a crop for canning. The seed tomatoes
are taken no matter what their condition. If they are soft but can be removed
from the plant and put in a bucket, the seed company will accept them.
A good ;>n-e.ld of tomato seed is estiraated at 10 to 1^ pounds of seed per
ton of fruit. Taking an average of l5 tons per acre of tomatoes for canning,
reducing it by 10 per cent to account for roguing, and multiplying it by an
average of 12 pounds of seed per ton of fruit ^^ives an average of l62 pounds
of seed per acre.
There is no contract price based upon number of pounds of seed produced,
but, instead, the price is based uoon the tonnage per acre. This price
follows very close to that paid by the canners. The roguing decrease is
very nearly offset by the fact that the seed company takes the complete crop
providing it is still attached to the vine.
Picking takes place from September to late October. Th.e seed company
attempts to pick all the tomatoes in two trips through the field. They try
to go through the field when the ripest tomatoes are still on the vine and
collect those that are ripe. If the seed has matured, there is no danger
from frost, but if the seed has not reached full maturity, the frost will
blight the seed and reduce gorinination of the immature seed. A tomato ready
for market has mature seed.
The tomatoes are dumped inbo fermentation vats to ferment the pulp. In
the average warm weather, this takes place in about seventy- two hours. The
fermented pulp rises to the surface of the vat and is scraped off. The seed
is heavy and remains on the bottom of the vat. The seeds and water are turned
out of the vat and the seed is collected in a trough resembling a sluice box
with baffles to collect the seed.
The operations and cost per acre for raising tomatoes for seed are the
same as tiiose followed in producing a crop for the cannery and, hence, re-
quire no detailed presentation of costs .1/
Yield and Price Data ;
Data of yields, as developed during the course of our field survey, are
set forth in Column 2 of the following table (no. 12). Price data approxi-
mate prices paid to growers under contract.
l/ For details of producing canning tomatoes, see pages 176-177 of Farm
Management Crop ilanual by R. L. Adams.
23.
TABLE 12
Vegetable Seed Yields and Prices
Seed crop
Yield
Price
pounds per acre
cents per po-and
Beet (table)
i,Uoo-i,6oo
20
Broccoli
800-1,200
25
Cabbage (Snowball)
1,000-1,500
hS:
Carrot:
Danvers Half Long
600- 700
33
Imperator
700- 900
33
Chantenay
800- 900
33
Cauliflower (bnowball)
350
200
Celery-
900-1,300
75-
-95
Lettuce:
Imperial
175- 600
95
615
U20- 500
95
L'-reat. i/aKes
Id'^- iiOU
95
Cornell
300- 660
60
Premier Great Lakes
200
95
Onion:
Sweet Spanish
500- 600
70
Bermuda
500- 700
80
Grono
500- 600
70
Pea
2,200
6,
.25
Radish
1, 200-1, Uoo
19
a/ Bairty cents for 1951 plantings.
I
Typical Flower Seed Production Data and Operating Costs
Flower seed production differs from vegetable seed production in many
ways. A large percentage of the flower seed is grown by the seed companies
as it is a more difficult, costly, and specialized crop to raise. The ma-
jority of vegetable seed, on the other hand, is grown under contract. Hand
labor requirements are much greater in the growing of flower seeds than is
the case with vegetable seeds. Some varieties must be hand po].linated to
produce seed. Flower seeds are also grown in much smaller plots which
would make contracting difficult.
General Discussion of Flower Seed Production in California
Planting begins aro'ond November for the earlier varieties of flowers
and is an almost continuous process until April. Some varieties are seeded
before the frost or cold period and others, after the danger of a cold snap.
The time of harvest is an important factor in determining the date of plant-
ing. Weather conditions at this time must be clear with little -wind and
moisture. The time of the first fall cold spell is also taken into account
in connection with certain varieties since frosts interfere with maturing
of such seeds resulting in low germination.
2U.
The cultivation period runs from February to around September. Water and
fertilizer requirements for seed production are not as heavy as they are for
raising a market crop of flowers. It is important that no water be put on
the flower crop when it starts to seed or the seed will not fill out; it
will be "shoe-pegged." ^e exact time to stop irrigating is different for
every variety and must be determined by experimentation. The weeds must be
kept under control during the season, especially in the early part of the
season when it is still possible to get into the field with machinery. If
the weeds are allowed to get a good start, it is nearly impossible to control
them after the plants have grown so that use of imploments is ruled out.
Yields of flower seed are very variable. A general average for sweet
peas of different varieties wou.ld be approximately 300 to UOO pounds per acre,
but there have been yields running from <0 Dounds or less to 2,000 and above.
Harvesting tine is from July until December depending upon the date of
planting and the length of the growing season. Hie majority of the harvesting
is done by hand; workers pick the flower stalks and pile on canvas sheets to
dry. threshing is usually done by machine. It is a very slow process as the
seed is fed into the thresher at a very slow rate to prevent blowing the seed
over the back of the machine or not getting it completely clean.
Flower seed crops must be protected from insects and fungi to produce
seed of high germination. Insects and fungi not only lower germination but
greatly decrease yields, mny dustings and sprayings may be necessary during
the season. Many different commercial insecticides are used to combat dif-
ferent insects J the most popular appears to be the $ per cent D.D.T. The
early dustings are done with hand rigs, but later in the season when most of
the dusting is done, it is necessary co use air application by airplane or
helicopter.
Some of the varieties of flowers must be hand pollinated to produce seed.
Ihis involves dusting the female plant by moans of a small brush with the
pollen collected from the male plant. Tlie operation requires experience and
patience to do a complete job. Flower seed acreage is relatively small com-
pared to vegetable seed acreage. Plots one-sixteenth of an acre may comprise
a whole season's production of a certain variety.
The high degree of specialization and the amount of labor need to produce
a flower seed crop are two important reasons why the majority of the flower
seed is produced by the flower se id companies themselves instead of contract-
ing the acreage. Also, the small acreages which woiiLd be contracted would not
be attractive to the independent grower. There are some varieties of flowers
that are contracted — they are t-he more popular, home garden varieties such as
zinrdas, pansies, larkspurs, sweet peas, and pet\inias. Even these more popular
varieties are seldom contracted in acreages exceeding 10 acres to a single
grower.
Some specific examples of different varieties of flower seeds gro>m by
contract farmers are given below.
1
i
25.
Delphinium Seed .
The perennial delphiniim is one of the few perennial flowers grown from
seed. They will bloom generally three times if the spikes are not allowed to
go to seed. Vlhen the spikes are permitted to ■■;o to seed, the first crop is
harvested in September. The seed is cut by hand and dryed on sheets. After
the seed is thoroughly dry, it is threshed by machine. If the plants are then
cut back almost to the ground, they will produce a second crop of seed in the
following April and May. The second se 3d crop will produce more seed than the
first if protected from insects and if the winter is not too severe. Tlie
delphinium is one of the \''ery few plants that will produce a second seed crop
if allowed to lie dormant during the winter. The total yield of delphinium
seed may run anywhere from 30 to I4OO pounds per acre from the r;ingle planting.
The plant requires considerable water during the first growing period and a
lessor amount in the second period.
Tiie general planting time for delphiniuras is in March. T"ne plant re-
quirements are very much like those of the other flowers~500 to 6OO pounds
of fertilizer with only about 10 per cent nitrogen to keep foliage down,
plenty of water, insect protection, and weed control.
Larkspur Seed .
One acre of larkspur plants in San Benito County was grown by one farmer
as follows:
1. The land x^as worked up into 30-inch beds.
2. Planting was done in the early part of February. The seed was planted
two rows on a bed. The planting was done by the seed company at no direct
charge to the grower.
3. There were three cultivations during the season costing $8.00 per
cultivation. Tlie dates were March I6, April 1, and April l5.
h» The crop was irrigated four times; the first time was on April 12
and the last time was during the latter part of May. The grower estimated
the cost to be ^^3.00 per irrigation for the water, and the operator did the
labor.
5. Thinning and the first hoeing were done in the same operation on
April 12. The expense was $U8.00 for the 1 acre.
6. A second hoeing was done on Ju-ne 1 at a cost of ^12.00 for the acre.
7. The dusting was taken care of by the seed company at no dirsct charge
to the grovjsr,
8. The complete harvest and threshing was taken care of by the seed
company.
1
26.
Total Cost to the Grower
Growing cost in
round nuinbers
Land preparation
$ 5.00
Irrigation
12.00
Cultivation
2U.00
thinning and first hoeing
U8.00
Second hgeing
12,00
$101.00
Returns for the clean seed
|;212.00
Pansy Seed . ' I
The following report was given by a grovrer in San Benito County. The
amount of labor and cost of production are staggering, but the returns are
of the sarae magnitude.
1. The land was pref ertilized with S tons per acre of chicken manure
at a cost of $9*00 per ton spread.
i
2. Preirrigatlon was at a cost of $6.00 per acre, |
3. The land was worked up into 30-inch beds and planted two rows on
a bed.
h> The seed was planted on October 1 at a cost of fj2.50 per acre.
5. The field was cultivated twelve times at a cost of $1.^0 per acre
per time or $18,00 per acre total.
6. On November 1 the pansies x^rere thinned to 2 to 3 inches at a cost
to the groxv^er of Sl^O.OO per acre.
7. Dust was applied six times during the season at an estimated cost
of !|58.00 per acre per time.
8. Tlxe field was hoed five times at a cost of ^^10. 00 per time or a total
cost per acre of $50.00.
9. Harvesting and threshing were completely done by hand labor at an
estimated cost of ^h*^0 per poxind of seed. Pickers go over the beds every
tvio to four days to select and pick pods which have reached a proper stage
of maturity,
10, The resulting financial statement was a shown below: '
Total growing cost per acre!
Fertilizer
Preirrigation
Land preparation
Planting
Cultivation
Thinning
Dusting
Hoeing
Yield por pound:
I9U9 (100 pounds)
1950 (16 pounds)
Harvesting and threshing cost:
19U9
1950
27,
$ U5.00
6.00
5.00
2.50
18.00
150.00
1^8.00
50.00
I32U.50
$ 22.50
14.00
$U5o.oo
72.00
Returns per acre:
19U9
1950
$1,526.00
173.50 (loss)
Petunia Seed .
1. Land is plowed and disked, and possibly floated, to give smooth
surface. i
2. The petunias are transplanted in the months of March and April.
3. It is generally necessary to irrigate soon .after planting plus
two to three additional irrigations.
h. Dust and spray for "stock borers" and mildew are used. Petunias
must be watched closely in the early part of the season for various diseases,
5. lliree to five cultivations are required during the season in addi-
tion to hosing twice to control weeds, lliere is no thinning as the plants
are transplanted.
6. The seed is harvested in August; the plants are pulled by hand and
spread on sheets to dry. After one to two weeks' drying, they are run through
a threshing machine.
Petunias will average from 75 to 100 pounds per acre of seed*
Zinnia Seed . '
Zinnias are planted for seed in the months of April and May. It is
necessary to wait until after the frost season is over as zinnias will not
stand a hard frost. The land is worked up into 36-inch beds, and the seed
28.
is planted two rows to a bed. Some growers plant only one row to a bed, but
that seems to be the exception. The land is generally prefertilized with
about 1|00 pounds per acre of some co.aplete fertilizer such as 10-10-5 or
10-15-10. Seed is planted at the rate of about l«l/2 pounds per acre which
gives a heavy stand, later being thinned to lU to l8 inches. Ihinning takes
place after about thirty days or when the plajits are about 1-1/2 to 2 inches
in height.
Zinnias require considerable irrigation— six to seven times during the
season. Ihey are irrigated as soon after planting as possible and through
the season until thirty days before maturity (about the last part of July).
Some growers use 50 pounds per acre of ammonia gas with the July irrigation,
and others use phosphoric acid to supply additional phosphorous about sixty
days after planting.
Four cultivations during the season are generally necessary together
with two hand hoeings to control the weeds. In some areas the native morning
glory plant is quite troublesome.
It is usual to dust three times in the season for numerous pests. >Jhen
the zinnias are young, there is possible thrip damage; later on, the corn ear
worm, corn ear maggot, and mildew must all be controlled. The most popular
dust used is 5 per cent D.D.T. and sulfur applied by air in 35- to l).0-pound
per acre doses. ;
The seed is harvested in October and November, after the frost, either
by machine or hand labor. There is a gain of 75 to 80 pounds per acre of
seed by using the hand labor as the direct combining causes some loss in
yield, but the labor is expensive and often hard to get in sufficient quanti-
ties. After the seed is hand cut or machine cut with a mower-type cutter,
it is dried in the field for four or five days. The threshing is usually
done by the seed company at a charge to the grower.
The contract price for zinnias was reported as 90 cents for the mixed
zinnias.
Zinnia Seed — Ope r ations . j
1. Plow and disk two times.
2. Work up land into 36-inch beds and plant 1-1/2 pounds per acre in
two rows on a bed. Plant in April and May. I
3. Prefertilize UOO pounds per acre with 10-10-5; later in the season,
add 100 pounds per acre of ammonia gas, |
k. Thin to Ih to l8 inches when the plants are 2 inches high (thirty
days after planting). !
5. Irrigate seven times during the season, the first application being
as soon after "planting as possible and the last irrigation being about thirty
days before the einnias reach maturity.
6, Cultivate four times.
29.
7. Hoe two times by hand.
8. Dust three times v;ith 5 per cent D.D.T. at the rate of kO pounds per
acre by air.
9. Thresh by hand and pile on sheets to dry. i
10, Harvesting done by the seed company with a direct charge to the grower.
TABLE 13
Inputs Per Acre for Zinnia Seed Production (9-Hour Day)
Yield 350 Pounds '
Ooerations
Flowing
Disking (2 times)
Making beds
Planting
Pref ertilizing
Thinning
Irrigating (7 times)
Cultivating {k times)
Hoeing (2 times)
Harvesting (hand)
Threshing
Crew and eq^oipment
Acres [Man"
per day
12,0
IM 20T 3-lU" plow 6.0
IM 20T 10' double disk 20.0
IM 20 T 3-row lister j 8,0
2M 20T 6-rcw planter j 1$.0
IM lOT U-row cultivator
with fertilizer |
attachment
3 M/hrs.
3 M/hrs.
IM lOT 3-row cultivatori l5.0
10 iVhrs,
60 M/hrs.
Contract
! Total
time
.U5
.6
Total
.6
1.5
0.9
1.1
1.2
0.8
30.0
21.0
2.h
20.0
60.0
138.9
Tractor!
time
Total
.U5
.6
6.0
0.9
1.1
0.6
0.8
2.U
7.3
Cost Per Acre for Zinnia Seed Production
Rate
Total
Hours
per hoxvc
cost
Labor
'Lractor driver
Thinning
Irrigating
Hoeing
Harvesting
7.3
30.0
21.0
20.0
60.0
ll.OO
.75
.75
.75
.75
7.30
22.50
15.75
15.00
I45.00
Total labor cost
$105.55
Tractor
10 h.p. Tfheel
20 h.p. track
Total tractor cost
3.2
U.l
.75
1.25
1
$
2.U0
5.12
7.52
(Continued on next page.)
r —
Cost Per Acre for Zinnia Seed Production (Continued)
Hours per hour cost
Equipment
Plow— 3-lU" 1.5 S '15 ^ 'S^'
Disk— 10' double 0.9 .2? .2^
Lister— 3-row 1.1 .39 .U3
Planter — 6-row 0,6 .11 .07
Cultivator— U-row 2,k .13 .143
Fertili^iBr attachment 0,8 .06 »0S
Total equipment cost ^l.U?
Cost Total
Amount P££_ '^^i-^ cost
Contract
Tlireshing ^20.00 fp20.00
Total contract cost t.20.00
Materials
Fertilizer J4OO lbs. $80.00 $16.00
Irrigation water 3^5 acre-ft. 3.00 10.50
Ammonia gas 100 lbs. .10 10.00
Dust — 5 per cent D.D.T,
and sulfur 120 lbs. 8.00 9.60
Total material cost IU6.10
Mscellaneous
Taxes llO.OO
Gomoensation insurance |
(k.U5 per tilOO.OO
payroll) 2»50
Total miscellaneous cost $12.50
Total cost per acre $l83.3l4
Total cost per pound .52
31.
APPENDIX A
Abbreviations
The meaning of the various abbreviations as used in the cost tables
is as follows:
Abbreviation
Meaning
M
M/hrs.
T
TIO or 10 h.p.
T20 or 20 h.p.
Cwt.
Man or men
Man-hours
Tractor
Tractor (10 horsepower)
Tractor (20 horsepower)
Hundred pounds
32.
APP3JDK B
Basic Costs
Man labor :
Tractor driver
General (transplanting, irrigating, hoeing,
thinning, harvesting — including threshing)
Use of tractor ;
10 h.p, wheeled— not including driver
20 h.p. track — not including driver
Charge for use of equipment :
Cul tiva to r — 3 -row
Cultivator — U-row
Disk — 10-foot double
Fertilizer attachment
Furrower~3-row
Harrow — 20-foot spike
Lister (for making beds) — 3-row
Planter — 3-row
Planter — 6-row
Plow — 3 lU-inch
Rotary hoe
Transplanter — 3-row
Vine cutter (for peas)
Contract work ;
Use of thresher (when hired)
Airplane dusting (D.D.T.. )
Materials :
Fer tili zer --10-10- 5
17-7-0
Ammonia gas
Irrigation water
5 per cent D.D.T. (same price if mixed with
sulfur)
Seed stock (including beet and carrot roots) ;
Usually supplied by the contracting seed company. Exceptions are:
1. Cases ;,rhere a charge of $20,00 to $25.00 per acre is made for
table beet stock.
2. Occasional charges for seed, viz., lettuce seed (1 pound per
acre at |2.50) and garden peas (60 pounds per acre at 6-l/U
cents) .
Taxes (on land and equipment) ;
Seed-producing crops occupy the greater part of the year so that
single cropping is the rule (garden peas are a possible exception).
Therefore, a tax of $10,00 per acre per year is used in our calcula-
tions of costs.
fl.OO per hour
,75 per hour
.75 per hour
1.25 per hour
1.62 per day
1,98 per day
2,52 per day
.72 per day
1.50 per day
,72 per day
2,U0 per day
2,00 per day
2.50 per day
2.70 per day
1.20 per day
2,70 per day
1,00 per day
$1.25 to 4^1,50 per hour
,05 per pomd
|80,00 per ton
72,00 per ton
,10 per pound
3.00 per acre-foot
8,00 per cwt.
33.
APPEITOIX C
Cost of Farming Operations (Made up of Labor and Charge for Use of
Implements and Machinery) (9-Hour Day)
Cost
Daily
Cost
Operations
ner dav
output
per acre
acres
dollars
rJ-Ow j.ng
22,95
6
Disking
IM 20T 10' double disk
22.77
20
l.iU
Harrowing
IM 20T 20* spike harrow
20.97
60
.35
Making beds
IM 20T 3-row lister
22.65
8
2.83
Planting
2M 20T 6-row planter
29.30
15
1.97
Transplanting
UM 20T 3-row transplanter
22
2.57
Fertilizing
IM lOT 3-row ciitivator with
1.51
fertilizer attachment
18.09
12
Cultivating
IM lOT 3-row cultivator
12
1.36
IM lOT U-row cultivator
17.37
15
1.12
Furrowing
IM 20T 3-row furrover
21.75
30
.72
Irrigating
3 M/hrs. per application
2.25
Threshing
UM lOT thresher
59.00
u
lh.88