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Where do the flowers come from?
 Most flowers come
out of the ground, they start low and
come up.
But seriously, the greater majority of the flowers sold on the
florist market come direct from the "flower growers"... What
seems surprising is the fact that approximately 90% of all cut flowers
sold on the American market are
imported.
True,
California is America's top cut flower
producer, with Florida second
for flowers and foliages. But, perhaps frustrating for them, their quality
fresh flower production is always struggling
to keep up with foreign competition.
Flowers are
purchased regularly from local wholesalers and shops, -- and it's
rather fascinating, should you consider; that those flowers
which might be for your sweetheart, have traveled here from lands, far far away... |
Once upon a time...
about a generation ago, most American florist shops obtained their
products from a myriad of flower growers throughout the western and
southern United States, with a lesser degree of product from
Holland. But, just as America's taste in flowers has evolved; from
primarily only traditional mums and carnations to a more unique
taste for exotic and specialty blooms
(See our
Modern Flowers) , so
has the flowers place of origin been changing.
Columbia
is the dominant producer of U.S. cut flowers, with roses,
carnations, spray chrysanthemums and Alstroemeria among its top
crops.
Ecuador takes a close second
with their crops of roses, Delphiniums, asters, Gypsophila (baby's
breath), and mixed bouquets. . Both countries have exceptional
climates for commercial growing, and both have successfully become
established in high production of the most popular products.
Together, these two countries accounted for 90% to 98% of all roses,
carnations, chrysanthemums sold in the U.S. last year.
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And those aren't the
only countries competing for America's love of flowers.
Holland has a vast wealth of cut
flowers readily available in the U.S. as well.
Then there's the Netherlands,
especially with Tulips exports, accounting for nearly 95% of all
tulip imports. They're also big on roses, lilies, Gerberas,
Freesias, snapdragons, and orchids.
Canada has in recent years begun
tapping into the market, currently exporting nearly 5 million stems
and bunches here. Mexico, Costa Rica,
Chile, Thailand and Hawaii
are gradually on the rise as flower producing nations.
...And that's
where flowers come from!
So, next
time you order someone a
bouquet of flowers, a vase of tulips, an exotic orchid, or even a
single red rose... consider the fact that those delicate blossoms
most likely traveled half way around the globe just so you might
make your sweetie smile. ;- )
Pages views since March 7 2011
This page was last updated
on
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 09:58 PM |
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