Birdwood flower farm offers eye-watering potential annual income

A commercial chrysanthemum farm in the Adelaide Hills – one of just three in operation throughout Australia – has been listed for sale, offering new owners an immediate income and the opportunity to expand.

Blumberg Flowers, at 83 Burton Road, Birdwood, is the only commercial-sized chrysanthemum farm in South Australia, with 1ha of flowers growing undercover.

Selling agent Chris Weston, of Weston Properties, said while Mother’s Day was a particularly lucrative time of year, the business enjoyed a healthy income year-round and buyers could expect gross annual returns of about $2m.

A look at the growing space.

Set on 32.37ha, there was potential to boost earnings further with additional greenhouses or through “open field (outdoor) growing’’, he said.

Unlike other agricultural ventures, Mr Weston said the chrysanthemum farm offered a “daily income’’, making it an attractive proposition for buyers.

“The big drawcard of this is the immediate cashflow,’’ he said.

It’s one of only three in Australia.

“You are literally out there picking flowers every day. It’s not like other forms of agriculture where you are waiting for a seasonal crop and you are reliant on (favourable) weather patterns.

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“There are flowers (ready to be picked) all the time so there’s that steady cash flow and good returns.’’

Blumberg Flowers sells mainly to SA wholesalers and retailers, with small markets in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Mr Weston said.

So pretty!

The business did not engage in any advertising, he said, providing potential for the successful buyer to expand their selling network.

Mr Weston said there were just two other commercial chrysanthemum farms in Australia.

The vendor, a former flower importer, bought the business about five years ago and “spent quite a bit of money’’ converting to automated systems to make it less labour intensive, Mr Weston said.

Green now, but soon comes an explosion of colour.

Drip-feed irrigation, heating systems and night-lighting optimised year-round plant growth, while conveyor belt systems were installed to transport cut flowers to an onsite packing shed, he said.

A water licence and sound underground water streams for bores provided an abundant water supply and there was also solar power.

Some of the property’s equipment.

Mr Weston said the vendor had intended to increase plant production with open field growing but ill-health had now forced his retirement.

Chrysanthemums, traditionally gifted to mums on Mother’s Day, were hardy plants and popular as cut flowers because they often outlasted other flowering varieties, Mr Weston said.

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While well-suited to commercial growing, he said the new buyer could introduce other flower species to the business, which employs three full-time staff and 10 casual workers, if desired. Offers to purchase the business, which has been listed without a price guide, close Friday, August 29, unless sold prior.