Ever wondered where the flowers in your bouquet originate? Most florists don’t grow the flowers they design with; instead, they source them from an intricate network of farms, wholesalers, and brokers. Flowers are grown worldwide in regions with ideal climates, such as California, Colombia, Ecuador, Holland, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

The Journey of Flowers

Flowers begin their journey as tiny seeds nurtured by farmers who face challenges like pests, weather, and soil conditions. These farmers dedicate their expertise to cultivating blooms that eventually reach florists worldwide. While local flowers are a treat due to their freshness, imported flowers fill the gap when certain varieties aren’t available or when the local growing season ends.

Top Flower-Producing Regions

The world’s leading flower producers include:

• California: Year-round mild climates make it a top U.S. grower.

• Colombia and Ecuador: Known for roses, carnations, and high-quality blooms.

• Holland: Famous for tulips, hydrangeas, and other spring blooms.

• Kenya and Ethiopia: Major global exporters of roses and other varieties.

How Florists Source Flowers

Florists rely on multiple sourcing methods to ensure they have the best blooms:

1. Local Wholesalers: Middlemen who consolidate orders from multiple farms for easy access.

2. Brokers: Direct links to international farms offering fresh flowers with reduced handling time.

3. Local Farms: Providing fresh, healthy blooms cut just days before delivery.

In Utah, for example, a collective of local flower farms makes sourcing easy by hosting weekly markets where florists can pick up pre-ordered flowers, saving time during busy wedding seasons.

The Grocery Store Difference

While grocery store flowers are convenient, they often lack the care and quality of florist-sourced blooms. Many grocery arrangements are mass-produced overseas, designed, and shipped in bulk. Florists, by contrast, build relationships with growers to source the freshest, healthiest, and longest-lasting flowers.

Final Thoughts

Flowers come from a global community of dedicated farmers and suppliers who pour their love and expertise into growing the blooms we cherish. Whether sourced locally or internationally, the relationships between florists and growers ensure you get the best quality flowers for your events or arrangements.