Flower shops are a popular business, but where do they get their supplies from? Most florists source their flowers and plants from suppliers who specialize in horticulture and cut flowers. Depending on the customer's wishes and seasonal flowers, florists can buy directly from local farms, wholesalers, or flower auctions. Some florists even grow their own flowers or import them from countries such as Holland or Colombia. Due to supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and poor growing conditions, there is a global shortage of fresh flowers. This business model has its drawbacks, such as the inability to obtain flowers in the off-season and long periods of silence.
However, florists can use flowers (such as chamomile or hibiscus) to make flower tea, add dried flowers to oil to make soap, or use pressed flowers to decorate homemade candles. To extend the life of cut flowers, check the water level every day, use the powdered flower food package that comes with the bouquet, and make sure to put the flowers in a clean vase. Some florists even wake up earlier than usual - around 3 or 4 in the morning - when they buy flowers at wholesale flower markets. Getting flowers directly from flower farms allows florists to secure large quantities of flowers at a pre-set price. For example, visitors often say that the Aalsmeer flower auction is the largest commercial building due to its heavy traffic and its auction rooms which supply around 21 million flowers a day to hungry flower markets around the world. It's easy to make a wreath of roses and other flowers using wax spray - perfect for florists, wedding parties, and festivals.
Florists can then supplement these with specific flowers used for small arrangements, bouquets, and other details which they buy at local flower markets a few days before the event. Additionally, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, heat, and fruit as ethylene gas emitted by apples and pears can cause them to wilt quickly. Droughts in California have continued to be a challenge for flower farms in the state which has the highest number of such businesses in the country. In conclusion, flower shops get their supplies from suppliers who specialize in horticulture and cut flowers. Depending on customer needs and seasonal availability, florists can buy directly from local farms, wholesalers, or flower auctions. To extend the life of cut flowers, check the water level every day and use the powdered flower food package that comes with the bouquet.
Additionally, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, heat, and fruit as ethylene gas emitted by apples and pears can cause them to wilt quickly.
