Blog Post
North San Diego County was once the flower capital of the U.S., with over 1,000 acres dedicated to field-grown and greenhouse cut flowers. Today, much of that land has given way to development, but one bloom still stands strong: ranunculus.
The roots of this success date back to the 1930s, when Frank Frazee and his son Edwin began growing gladiolus and ranunculus in Oceanside and Carlsbad. While the vibrant flowers caught eyes, it was the bulbs that built their legacy, with shipments reaching customers across the globe.
To ensure healthy fields and clean, disease-free bulbs, the Frazees partnered with TriCal early on. Our soil fumigation services helped manage pathogens, maintain varietal purity, and protect their high-value investment. This long-term approach to soil health proved critical in sustaining bulb quality and production volume for decades.
After Edwin’s retirement in the late 1990s, the ranunculus tradition continued through a partnership between the Mellano family, known for cut flowers and greenery, and the Ecke family, pioneers in poinsettia production.
Today, on about 50 acres in Carlsbad, Mellano & Company grows approximately 350,000 bunches of ranunculus each season. These same fields welcome more than 300,000 annual visitors to the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields. While bulb production remains key, agritourism and cut flower sales now drive the operation forward.
Behind the scenes, soil fumigation remains a quiet but powerful contributor. By starting with a healthy foundation, growers can reduce disease pressure, improve consistency, and extend the viability of high-value crops like ranunculus.
Want to Protect Your Crop’s Future? TriCal has been supporting growers like the Frazees and Mellanos for generations. If you’re looking to improve soil health, reduce pests and disease, or boost crop quality, contact us today at info@trical.com to learn how soil fumigation can help.
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