How a Top 100 Grower Boosted Spring Production Through Collaboration
May 13, 2025 
Quality Greenhouse Head Annual Grower Chris Wallen says the company significantly expanded its early spring crop production as a result of working closely with its sales and office teams. | Quality Greenhouses
In today’s dynamic business landscape, standing still is akin to falling far behind. For horticulture businesses to truly flourish, a willingness to adapt, embrace transparency, and constantly seek fresh perspectives is paramount. Here’s Part 2 of a look at four forward-thinking growers, plucked from this year’s Top 100 list, who share their strategies for addressing challenges, improving operational efficiency, and boosting their bottom lines.
Stay tuned for Parts 3 and 4, and catch up with Part 1 if you missed it.
Sales-Driven Blooms
Seeking continuous improvement through annual schedule reviews and adjustments is a cornerstone of Quality Greenhouses and Perennial Farm’s commitment to operational excellence.
Head Annual Grower Chris Wallen says this year’s strategic enhancements, driven by close collaboration with the company’s sales and office teams, focused significantly on expanding its early spring crop production.
Quality Greenhouses is a premier wholesale grower supplying an extensive range of high-quality horticultural products to independent garden centers and landscapers across the greater Mid-Atlantic megalopolis, from New York City and southern Connecticut south to Richmond and westward to Pittsburgh. Greenhouse Grower honored the Dillsburg, PA-based operation as its 2023 Operation of the Year.
Recognizing a market opportunity within the Valentine’s Day to April 1 sales window, Quality Greenhouses substantially increased its offerings of popular items such as pansies. This proactive adjustment, according to Wallen, directly informed by sales team insights regarding market demand and optimal timing, has proven unequivocally beneficial to Quality Greenhouses’ overall performance.
“We grew two additional full greenhouses, which is like something on the order of, let’s say, 8,000 to 10,000 trays of plants,” he says. “That’s a lot more.”
As a result of their recent success, Wallen says they’ve recently fielded a new request from sales: double ranunculus production.
“It’s good to have a partnership with the sales team and to allow them to speak into what we should be aiming for,” he says. “It’s also extremely important that the growers have a voice, too, because we know what will work and what won’t work. And there are always adjustments that need to be made in terms of timing, crop, care, and other factors, and we’ll make those adjustments.
“It’s tough because the pressure is always there to get it right,” he adds. “But you’re never going to get it quite right. There are things you just can’t predict or are out of your control — weather, political, and economic circumstances. So, you adjust, be flexible, and plan the best you can.”
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