How Do I Choose The Right Plants For My Fundraiser?

How to start a great school fundraiser? We’re so glad you asked, as there’s a real difference between a great plant fundraiser and a not-so-great one. A great plant fundraiser doesn’t just happen by accident. There's a lot that goes into it, and it all starts with choosing the right plants your community will actually be excited to buy.

Think about it. When are you more inclined to support fundraising sales within your community? Most people show up when what’s being offered feels useful, seasonal, and worth bringing home. That’s where a strong flower fundraiser, geranium fundraiser, or poinsettia fundraiser makes all the difference.

Keep reading as we break down how to go about putting together a successful school plant sale for your school and the community.

Start with Your Flower Fundraiser Goals

Every successful flower fundraiser starts with figuring out what you actually want to accomplish. And honestly, that can look a little different for every school. For some, it’s hitting a specific fundraising sales goal to help with the school's art budget. For others, it’s keeping things simple so parents actually want to participate. And sometimes it’s just about building a flower fundraiser your community gets excited about year after year. Hello repeat customers!

Setting goals upfront will help guide everything else in your plant fundraiser, such as when you host your fundraiser, the types of plants you choose, and how you price and promote them. Once you have that figured out? Everything else for your flower fundraising will slowly start to fall into place and feel a lot less stressful.

Why a Live Plant Fundraiser is a Great Choice

If you’ve ever been stuck wondering what makes a fundraiser actually work, this is it: a live plant fundraiser just makes sense. Why? Well, that answer is easy. People, perhaps yourself included, are already buying plants and flowers for their homes, as gifts, for those just because moments for their loved ones, the list goes on. So why not capitalize on that? Give your community something they’re already going to buy, but with a local cause behind it, they can help to support.

Unlike typical fundraising sales that get forgotten in a week, a plant fundraiser gives people something that keeps growing long after the sale is over. It’s an easy win for schools, too, since live plants can be a seasonal thing and a fun, giftable option.

Timing is Everything: Pick the Right Flower for the Season

One thing to remember when planning out when to host your plant fundraiser is simply when to host, so that you’re top of mind when it happens. That alone makes your choice a whole lot easier. Thinking spring? A spring flower fundraiser works great with bright flowers like geraniums. Summer keeps things easy and colorful with options like zinnias or other summer blooms that immediately spark joy. Fall is all about mums and warmer tones, and winter is where a poinsettia fundraiser really shines. When your flower fundraiser lines up with the season, fundraising sales tend to come a lot more naturally.

Choose Plants Your Community Will Love

Choosing the right plant your community wants to buy can actually be the thing that makes or breaks your flower fundraiser. Sorry, but it's true. Why? It's quite simple: people shop differently. For instance, gardeners usually gravitate towards the tried-and-true stuff like geraniums, marigolds, or pansies. People who don't have a green thumb? They're just looking for something easy to care for or something that sparks a little bit of joy. Insert mums, poinsettias, or bright geraniums. And some folks are all about gardening herbs they can actually use, or native plants.

When you’ve got a good mix of options that speak to different audiences, the community will grab what speaks to them. And your flower fundraiser will start raising funds on its own from there.

Why a Geranium Fundraiser is a Spring Favorite

There’s a reason a geranium fundraiser works so well. The second people see them, it’s basically, “Yes, Spring is here.” People recognize them right away, they’re bright, and they just feel like the season that immediately screams goodbye April showers. For schools running a flower fundraiser, that makes them an easy choice. No explaining, no convincing: people already know where they’re going to put them before they even check out. Porch pots, garden beds, front steps, they just fit.

Make the Season Bright with a Poinsettia Fundraiser

There’s a reason poinsettia fundraisers pop up every holiday season; they're one of those plants people naturally reach for this time of year. The moment people see those deep red and crisp white blooms, it feels like the holidays have officially started. They basically say, 'fireplace, hot chocolate, family time, holiday movies, and cozy season.' So, why not lean in on that excitement? That’s exactly what makes a poinsettia fundraiser such a strong choice for schools. It's one of those things that meets people right where they already are this time of year. People also tend to be a bit more giving during the holidays, so it’s an easy way to turn that spirit into something simple and meaningful for your school and community.

Grow Your Fundraiser with JOCO Growers

Running a successful fundraiser doesn't have to be complicated. When you pick flowers and live plants your community actually wants, everything becomes easier.

Not sure which plants are the right fit for your next fundraiser? JOCO Growers makes it easy to choose the right plants, simplify the process, and turn your next school fundraiser into something your whole community looks forward to.

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