Where do most florists get their flowers?

One of the most common questions I hear from new florists is: “Where do I even get my flowers from?” And honestly, I get why it feels confusing. That’s why I decided to write about this topic.

You’ve launched your business or graduated from floristry school, you’re ready to create magic with flowers….but you’re not quite sure where those flowers are supposed to come from ?

I’ve worked with enough florists over the years to know that flower sourcing can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re juggling a dozen other things like pricing, branding, and setting up your website. 

Keep reading to learn about the different sourcing options, how to choose suppliers wisely and what to look out for as you grow.

So … where do florists get their flowers?

There are a few main options when it comes to flower sourcing for florists. Some buy directly from local flower growers, especially if they’re in a region with strong flower farming communities. This is honestly one of my favorite options.

Then there are flower wholesalers who import from international markets and distribute them to florists in bulk. These suppliers are convenient and give you access to a wide variety of flowers, all year round. If you’re working on big events or weddings, wholesalers can be a lifesaver. 

You can also visit flower markets in person, where you’ll often find both local and imported flowers in one place.

How do you choose the right flower supplier?

This is something many floristslearned the hard way. Hear me out : you don’t just want to find the cheapest or closest option. You want suppliers who are:

• reliable, 

• transparent,

• and easy to communicate with. 

Look for consistent quality, clear pricing and someone who actually takes the time to understand your needs.

For flower supplier for beginners, I recommend starting small. Test a few different sources and track how long the flowers last, how they’re packaged and how the service feels overall. Rate them on a scale of 1 to 10.

If something feels off, trust your gut. Bad sourcing can ruin your reputation before you’ve found your feet.

Why the season matters more than you think

This is one of those things you don’t fully appreciate until you’re knee-deep in bouquets and panicking because peonies are suddenly nowhere to be found. Friend, seasons affect availability, price and freshness. 

Working with local flower growers helps you stay in tune with what’s in season and often leads to better quality and longer lasting flowers. And honestly, clients love hearing that their bouquet features locally grown in season blossoms! 

A few tips to help you choose well

Start by visiting your local flower market or grower if you have one. Talk to people, ask questions and most importantly build relationships! Word of mouth is important in this industry.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with small orders before committing to a bigger supplier. 

Please on’t get discouraged if you make a few mistakes along the way. We all do!  Sourcing is something you learn and refine with time and every florist finds their own rhythm. There’s no perfect timeline at all.

At the end of the day, choosing your flower supplier isn’t just a business, it’s a creative one. The right blossoms can elevate your arrangements, delight your clients, and help you build a brand that feels like you!