GUELPH, ON [April 1, 2026] – When Ontarians think about buying local for Easter, food often comes to mind first. There’s another homegrown product that plays a big role in the season, however: locally grown flowers.

From vibrant tulips to potted spring arrangements, Ontario’s flower growers are busy working behind the scenes to ensure fresh, high-quality flowers are ready just in time for Easter celebrations.

“Although food is usually front and centre at holiday events, flowers are also an important part of how we celebrate and connect this time of year – especially as we wait anxiously for warmer spring weather,” says Mark Reusser, director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “Choosing local has never been more important and flowers are one more way Ontarians can support local farmers and businesses this Easter.”

Ontario is a major player in the North American flower industry, accounting for about 50 per cent of Canada’s flower production. The sector generates more than $1 billion in farmgate sales and contributes over $650 million in exports annually, making significant contributor to the provincial economy.

Much of that production is concentrated in the Niagara region, where a unique combination of climate, greenhouse growing infrastructure and generations of expertise has helped create one of the largest greenhouse flower-growing hubs in North America.

Tulips — one of the most popular Easter flowers — are a great example. Bulbs are cold-treated and then planted in greenhouse systems, where they can go from planting to harvest in as little as three to five weeks. Automation and advanced growing systems help ensure consistent quality, uniform stems and reliable supply.

“Supporting local flowers means supporting local farms, local jobs and local communities,” Reusser says. “As you plan your holiday celebrations, consider adding locally grown flowers to your table or gifting them to family and friends. It’s just one more way Ontarians can think local and make a difference with their purchasing decisions.”

Consumers looking to buy Ontario-grown flowers can look for the pickOntario logo or country-of-origin labels or choose varieties that are commonly grown in Ontario, such as tulips, gerbera, easter lilies, snapdragons and more. Most potted plants sold in Canada are also grown here at home.

About the Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) represents 38,000 farm families across the province and serves as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through advocacy and government relations, research and farm policy recommendations, media and public relations, community representation, and more.

Join the conversation on X @OntarioFarms, Instagram @ontariofarms and Facebook /ontariofarms.

About Home Grown

A public awareness initiative of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Home Grown’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving Ontario farmland. Learn more about the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers and get regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario by joining Home Grown Ontario.

Follow Home Grown on Instagram @homegrownofa.

For more information, contact:

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883
[email protected]

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Fun facts about tulips and local flowers

• Ontario produces about half of all flowers grown in Canada.
• Tulips can go from bulb to bloom in as little as three to five weeks in a greenhouse.
• Tulips continue to grow even after being cut — they can lengthen and bend toward light in a vase.
• Flower production is highly seasonal, with major demand peaks at Easter, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
• Greenhouses allow Ontario growers to produce flowers year-round — even in winter.
• The Niagara region is one of the largest greenhouse flower-producing areas in North America.
• Ontario-grown flowers are shipped across the country and exported to the U.S., reaching millions of consumers.
• Most potted plants sold in Canada are grown right here in Canada.