Ask a Flower Buyer anything

30 Questions

Last Answer on April 18, 2013

How do flowers that you buy from overseas stay fresh? Do you get them sent by plane? How long after they're picked are they in a shop?

Asked by smola almost 12 years ago

Flowers are shipped for the most part on airplanes. If you ever fly out of Amsterdam, Quito or Bogota and you look out the window while waiting to take off you will see large pallets of flower boxes getting ready to journey all over the world. There are some flowers that are shipped via sea containers, yes sea containers ! The flowers have to be prepped for the long trip, sometimes 2 weeks or more, and only certain kinds of flowers do well with this method. The second part of you question can vary dramatically depending on how/where the shop buys their flowers. The link below may help explain this some http://www.flowermuse.com/the-farm-direct-difference/

455 Votes

How do I make my flowers last longer? I've tried a million different recommendations from friends and websites involving watering, cutting, room placement, and it still seems like a crapshoot.

Asked by One Surly Mom almost 12 years ago

Dear Mom, The key is finding a supplier who provides you with fresh product. Now everybody will tell you their product is fresh, but you will be the judge of that. For example, lilies should arrive in bud stage (closed) and then you or the recipient gets to enjoy the whole blooming process. Buy from a farm direct supplier when possible. Also, typically using cut flower food, if provided, is a good idea. It contains sugar (food) for the flower and an antibacterial agent to keep the water clean for the flower to have efficient uptake. I think if you try some different sources for fresh flowers, you will find one that fits your needs better and turns that frown upside down (and you will need a new alias)!

454 Votes

What's the best flower to buy for someone if I want to get something a little different that will impress them, but show that I didn't just buy the same old thing?

Asked by Looking to Impress almost 12 years ago

This is a tough one to answer- I would find out if there are certain colors or types of flowers that special someone likes/dislikes. I look at flowers everywhere I go, supermarkets, big warehouse stores, florists, on tv shows, etc..... Personally I like sending or using one type of flower for a bouquet,for example only roses, I will find two colors that work together like red and a dark pink and mix them. Try one combo and then the next time you send them try a different combo. You should have fun sending the flowers !

452 Votes

What was your background that got you into the flower world?

Asked by Celia almost 12 years ago

I have an undergraduate degree in Botany and went on to get a Masters in Landscape Architecture. I had no idea when studying botany, the science of plants, that I would end up in the flower business, but it does help me understand issue growers have with production.

450 Votes

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Not to sound like a total idiot male, but WHY are women so infatuated with flowers? They're pretty for a few days and then die, doesn't seem like there's much value there.

Asked by Lucky777 almost 12 years ago

Because women are cool and flowers are cool! Sending or giving that special someone a gift that will only last a short time shows that you care. A small bouquet can liven up any room. Side note: Flowers should last more than a few days. Mini callas last for 2-3 weeks Lilies, if you get them still in bud stage when you buy them will last 7+ days easily!

434 Votes

Is the flower business relatively recession-proof? I'm guessing that Valentines Day = flowers no matter what the economy looks like.

Asked by 2Tents almost 12 years ago

No, unfortunately. Consumption will always be strong for holidays like V-day and Mother's day, but no company can survive just on these holidays. Consistent week to week business is needed and we definitely see consumption decrease when the economy is not strong.

430 Votes

Flowers from Orange tree in big quantities. What demand and price to expect ?

We used to sell oranges as fruit but they give us so little price, last year we left them on trees. I just bumb to you, so what you thing, Can we sell them as flowers ?

Asked by Kleopatra, almost 12 years ago

I have seen branches of pomegranates and oranges sold. I would check with wholesale florists in your areea to see if they see a market for it. You would also have to figure out good packaging.

427 Votes

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Flower Buyer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

How do flowers that you buy from overseas stay fresh? Do you get them sent by plane? How long after they're picked are they in a shop?

How do I make my flowers last longer? I've tried a million different recommendations from friends and websites involving watering, cutting, room placement, and it still seems like a crapshoot.

What's the best flower to buy for someone if I want to get something a little different that will impress them, but show that I didn't just buy the same old thing?

What was your background that got you into the flower world?

Also on Jobstr...

Not to sound like a total idiot male, but WHY are women so infatuated with flowers? They're pretty for a few days and then die, doesn't seem like there's much value there.

Is the flower business relatively recession-proof? I'm guessing that Valentines Day = flowers no matter what the economy looks like.

Flowers from Orange tree in big quantities. What demand and price to expect ?

We used to sell oranges as fruit but they give us so little price, last year we left them on trees. I just bumb to you, so what you thing, Can we sell them as flowers ?

Flower Buyer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

How do flowers that you buy from overseas stay fresh? Do you get them sent by plane? How long after they're picked are they in a shop?

How do I make my flowers last longer? I've tried a million different recommendations from friends and websites involving watering, cutting, room placement, and it still seems like a crapshoot.

What's the best flower to buy for someone if I want to get something a little different that will impress them, but show that I didn't just buy the same old thing?

What was your background that got you into the flower world?

Also on Jobstr...

Not to sound like a total idiot male, but WHY are women so infatuated with flowers? They're pretty for a few days and then die, doesn't seem like there's much value there.

Is the flower business relatively recession-proof? I'm guessing that Valentines Day = flowers no matter what the economy looks like.

Flowers from Orange tree in big quantities. What demand and price to expect ?We used to sell oranges as fruit but they give us so little price, last year we left them on trees. I just bumb to you, so what you thing, Can we sell them as flowers ?

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Flowers from Orange tree in big quantities. What demand and price to expect ?

We used to sell oranges as fruit but they give us so little price, last year we left them on trees. I just bumb to you, so what you thing, Can we sell them as flowers ?