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THE LO CATION
Locally grown and sourced blooms are best to buy. You'll support your
community and neighbors and are more likely to get fresher flowers. More
often than not, the further your flowers have traveled, the older they are and
the shorter they'll live.
THE PETALS
Truly take the time to stop and smell the roses and avoid grabbing the first
bunch you see. Gently touch the petals to confirm they're firm and healthy
and steer clear of those that are wrinkled, dry, or covered in dark spots. Fully
opened options may look lovely at the store, but they won't have the longest
shelf life. Choose a bouquet with a healthy balance of unopened buds or
buds that are just starting to open.
THE STE MS
You'll need to look beyond the petals, too. Pull the arrangement out of the
water and inspect the stems. Stems should be green, clean, and sturdy.
Discolored, mushy, and slimy stems are all bad signs.
THE SE A SON
Similar to fruits and veggies, blooms are better when they're in season.
Flowers like roses and orchids can be enjoyed year-round, but these are the
top picks for each season:
SPRING
Daffodils, anemones, tulips,
lilacs, daisies, cherry blossoms,
peonies, poppies
SUMMER
Lavender, hydrangeas,
sunflowers, dahlias, hibiscus,
gardenias, freesias, cosmos, lilies
FALL
Marigolds, ranunculus,
goldenrods, chrysanthemums,
anthurium, pansies, celosia, aster
WINTER
Amaryllis, carnations, poinsettias,
camellias, roses, holly, baby's
breath, Star of Bethlehem
PROTIPS FOR PICKING
THE BEST BLOOMS
Whether you're buying flowers from the farmer's market or supermarket,
here's what you should look at to get the most bang out of your bouquet.
