Flowers are often used to express a range of emotions, from love and gratitude to sympathy and condolences. Whether you’re buying flowers for a special occasion, as a gift or simply to decorate your home or office, you may have wondered where most florists source their blooms.
Most flower shops obtain their flowers through a variety of channels, including local farms, wholesalers, flower auctions and even their own gardens. In this blog post, we’ll explore each of these channels in more detail so you can better understand where most flower shops get their flowers.
Local farms
Buying from local farms allows florists to offer their customers fresh, seasonal flowers while supporting local growers and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. Many florists collaborate with nearby flower farms to obtain locally grown flowers that may not be widely available from wholesalers.
For example, if a florist is looking for unusual or hard-to-find flowers, they may have more success finding them at a local farm. Working with local farms is also a great way for florists to establish a relationship with a supplier and support their community at the same time.
Wholesalers
Flower wholesalers are large scale distributors that purchase flowers from a variety of sources, including domestic and international farms. They then sell these flowers in bulk to florists, retailers and event planners. Wholesalers offer a wide range of flower types and varieties, making them a popular choice for florists who need to order large quantities of flowers quickly and at a lower cost.
Flower wholesalers typically have an extensive network of suppliers across the globe, providing them with access to a diverse range of flowers at different times of the year. This means that florists can source a range of flowers regardless of the season or if they are not locally available. Additionally, wholesalers can deliver flowers directly to the florists, saving them the time and expense of visiting different farms.
Flower auctions
Flower auctions are another popular source of flowers for florists. At these auctions, growers bring their flowers to a central location, and buyers bid on them. Most auctions use an electronic system where buyers can bid on flowers in real-time, and the highest bidder wins the lot.
This option is beneficial for florists who want to buy luxurious and rare flowers as the quality and value of blooms sold at auctions are generally very high. The main reason why auctions are more preferable for flowers is that they provide a timestamp of when the flowers can be made to order.
International sources
Finally, some flower shops import flowers from other countries, such as Holland or Colombia, in search of specific varieties that are hard to come by locally. Flowers imported from Holland are known for their quality, variety, and fragrance. In Colombia, roses are grown all year round, making it a great source for florists who want roses, even when they’re out of season in their local area.
However, importing comes with a high cost, including shipping expenses and the possibility of delays. In some cases, customs might confiscate flowers that do not meet their regulations.
Conclusion
Flower shops can source flowers from a variety of channels, including local farms, wholesalers, flower auctions, and international sources. Regardless of the channel, the quality of the flowers and maintaining customer satisfaction is the priority for florists. There are different alternatives and suppliers, and some florists may even grow their flowers.
Before deciding on which channel to source flowers from, florists need to understand their customers’ needs and preferences, the occasion, and the budget. Keeping in touch with the latest flower trends is a must in the ever-competitive floral industry.
FAQ
Where do store bought flowers come from?
Store bought flowers come from a variety of sources and locations, but the majority of cut flowers are grown in warm climates that allow for flower production throughout much of the year. The primary source of domestically grown flowers in the United States is California, which produces about 75 percent of cut flowers. However, a small percentage of flowers are also produced in other states such as Washington, Florida, and Hawaii.
Many of the flowers sold in stores, particularly during the winter months, are imported from other countries. The main countries exporting cut flowers to the United States include Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands. These countries have optimal growing conditions for different flower varieties, and their flowers are often grown in large, high-tech greenhouses that allow for year-round production.
Another factor that affects the availability and origins of store bought flowers is the time of year. In the spring, many flowers such as tulips and daffodils are grown domestically, while in the summer months, domestically grown sunflowers and zinnias are more common. During the fall and winter, the majority of flowers are imported, with roses being one of the most commonly imported types.
In addition, the type of store where the flowers are sold can also influence their origin. High-end florists often sell locally sourced, specialty flowers that are grown in small batches, whereas grocery stores and big-box retailers tend to sell a wider variety of flowers that are sourced from both domestic and international locations.
The sources and origins of store bought flowers vary depending on factors such as seasonality, location, and type of retailer. However, through a combination of domestic and international production, consumers are able to enjoy a wide variety of fresh flowers all year round.
What is the most sold flower in the US?
The United States has a thriving floral industry, with a wide variety of flowers available year-round. However, when it comes to the most sold flower in the country, tulips take the lead. The most recent reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate that over 175 million tulip stems were sold in 2020 alone, making it the most popular flower in the country.
Tulips are popular not only for their beauty but also for their versatility. They come in a wide range of colors and can be used in bouquets, floral arrangements, and even as potted plants. Additionally, they are known for having a longer vase life than many other flowers, making them a preferred choice for gift-giving and home decoration.
The popularity of tulips can also be attributed to their availability throughout the year. While tulips are traditionally a spring flower, advancements in greenhouse technology allow them to be produced year-round. This consistent availability ensures that tulips remain a top choice for consumers across the country and contribute significantly to the growth of the floral industry.
While there are many beautiful flowers available in the United States, tulips are the most sold. Their beauty, versatility, and availability make them a top choice for consumers, and the floral industry benefits from their consistent popularity year-round.
What percentage of US flowers are imported?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 80% of all flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, primarily from South American industrial flower farms. This means that only 20% of the flowers sold in the United States are grown domestically.
The majority of the imported flowers come from countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. These countries have a history of using harsh chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides on their flower farms, which can be harmful to the environment and the health of the workers on the farms. Additionally, there have been reports of unfair labor practices, including the use of child labor and poor working conditions.
The demand for imported flowers in the U.S. has increased in recent years due to their affordability and availability. Many consumers are unaware that the flowers they purchase may have been grown using harmful chemicals and practices.
However, there are efforts being made to promote the growth and purchase of domestically grown flowers. Small, local flower farms are becoming more popular, and many consumers are willing to pay more for flowers that are grown sustainably and ethically.
While the percentage of imported flowers in the U.S. is high, there are alternatives available for consumers who are concerned about the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases.