Plant Support Netting: The Secret to Perfect Cut Flowers

Growing cut flowers in a garden can be incredibly rewarding. However, without proper support, many flowers struggle to stay upright. Rain, wind, and the natural tendency of some flowers to tip over can result in bent or curved stems. Once a flower grows sideways, it cannot be bent back without damage—and it will start to grow toward the light, a phenomenon called heliotropism (plants growing toward a light source). Installing trellis netting for cut flowers solves this problem easily!

Plant support netting is an essential tool for growing long, straight stems perfect for cutting. This simple, reusable system is borrowed from flower farmers and works beautifully in home gardens. By grouping flowers together and using netting for support, you’ll save time and effort while enjoying abundant blooms with tall, straight stems. Here’s how to set up support netting for your flower garden.

Article Index:

• Why Use Trellis Netting for Cut Flowers?
• Flowers that Benefit from Plant Support Netting
• Supplies You’ll Need
• Plant Support Netting Step-by-Step Installation
• Pro Tips for Using Flower Trellis Netting for Cut Flowers

Why Use Trellis Netting for Cut Flowers?

Support netting offers several benefits for your flower garden:

• Prevents flowers from tipping over: Keeps stems upright even during rain or wind.
• Encourages straight growth: Flowers grow up through the netting for uniform, long stems ideal for vases.
• Saves time: Avoids the hassle of staking individual flowers.
• Reusable and efficient: Netting can be reused for multiple seasons with proper care.

Flowers that Benefit from Plant Support Netting

Many beloved cut flowers have tall stems or heavy blooms, making them prone to bending or breaking in wind and rain. Trellis netting helps these flowers grow straight and strong, ensuring you get the best possible blooms for your arrangements. Some of the flowers that particularly benefit from support netting include snapdragon, scabiosa, zinnia, campanula, cornflower, cosmos, dahlia, delphinium, lisianthus, poppy, Shasta daisy, and strawflower. (Click on the flower name for how-to-grow guides.)

For other ways to provide vertical support for flowers, see this guide.

Supplies You’ll Need

To install trellis netting for cut flowers, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

• Stakes: Use wooden or metal stakes at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) taller than your raised beds for proper height above the raised beds.
• Plant support netting: Look for polyester trellis netting that is durable and reusable. Ensure it is at least as wide as your beds. This is the netting I use on Amazon.
• Mallet or post pounder: For securing stakes in the ground.
• Scissors or pruning shears: These are used to trim excess netting if needed.

Plant Support Netting Step-by-Step Installation

1. Put Trellis Netting in Place Early in the Season

I like installing the support netting while plants are young, generally about a month after planting. This ensures they grow naturally through the netting as they develop.

2. Set Up Vertical Supports

• For an 8-foot (2.4-meter) long raised bed, place 3 stakes along each side, evenly spaced, for a total of 6 stakes. Adjust the number of supports for your size bed.
• Use a mallet or post-pounder to drive the stakes deep into the ground 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). Ensure the stakes on each side are directly opposite one another for stability.

3. Install the First Layer of Netting

• Stretch the netting across the bed and over the stakes. It should be taut but not overly tight to avoid bending the supports.
• Position the netting approximately 12 inches (30 cm) above the soil so plants can grow up through it.

4. Add a Second Layer (Optional)

• If your flowers are taller varieties, add a second layer of netting 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) above the first layer.
• You can install both layers at the same time or wait until plants grow taller before adding the second layer.

5. Train Plants Through the Netting

• Gently guide any plants outside the netting to grow upward through it. This encourages straight growth and prevents tangling.

Pro Tips for Using Flower Trellis Netting for Cut Flowers

• Mulch first: Add a layer of mulch before installing netting to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
• Water evenly: Watering grids can help ensure even irrigation while keeping plants straight and healthy. These are the watering grids I use.
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• Leave space for access: Install netting with room between the layers and stakes to allow you to reach into the bed for harvesting or maintenance easily.
• Reinforce heavy blooms: Add additional stakes in the middle of the bed to ensure stability for top-heavy flowers like sunflowers or dahlias.

Enjoy the Tall Straight Stems Trellis Netting Provides

Support netting is a simple yet effective tool for growing beautiful, tall-stemmed flowers. With straight stems and fewer broken plants, you’ll have plenty of blooms for cutting and displaying. Plus, the reusable netting ensures this method is cost-effective and sustainable for future seasons. Start early, install it carefully, and watch your flower garden thrive.

Source

• The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa Mason Ziegler.

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