Seasonal Flowers in Florida: A Tampa Bay Florist's Year

Where Florida's flowers come from

Most of the roses, carnations and many other cut flowers sold in the United States are grown in Colombia and Ecuador, and the bulk of those imports arrive through Miami. That means Florida florists are close to one of the busiest flower gateways in the country, and that many classic flowers are available year-round, with quality and price that still rise and fall with the season at the farm.

Florida grows a lot of its own green. Volusia County calls Pierson the Fern Capital of the World for its leatherleaf fern, Apopka near Orlando is known as the Indoor Foliage Capital of the World, and Lake Placid is the Caladium Capital of the World. When an arrangement has lush, glossy foliage, there is a good chance part of it is local.

Then there are the flowers that love heat: tropicals such as anthurium, heliconia, ginger and orchids. They are the backbone of a Florida palette and the reason our signature Tampa Luxe pairs garden blooms with tropical ones.

Winter: December to February

Winter is Tampa Bay's gentlest season and a lovely time for delicate flowers, because they last longer in cool, dry weather. Ranunculus, anemones, tulips and amaryllis are at their best, along with hellebores and sweet-scented stock. Holiday work leans on deep reds, whites and evergreen texture.

Phalaenopsis orchids are greenhouse-grown and available all year, but many naturally send up new flower spikes after the cooler nights of late fall and winter, which is why they feel like a winter flower. Our Single Orchid and Orchid Trio are the most giftable way in.

Spring: March to May

Spring brings the flowers people wait for. Flowering branches like cherry, quince and magnolia run through late winter and early spring; we write about them in our piece on architectural installations and blooming branches. Garden roses, sweet peas and lilac follow, and peonies from North American growers usually reach their peak in late spring and early summer.

Spring is also wedding and event season in Tampa Bay, before the summer heat arrives. If you are planning around a particular flower, this is the time to talk to your florist early about availability.

Summer: June to September

Summer here is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms most days and hurricane season officially beginning on June 1. It is the season to work with flowers that like the climate. Tropicals shine: anthurium, heliconia, ginger, birds of paradise and orchids. Sunflowers, zinnias and celosia bring color, and hydrangeas are at their fullest.

Delicate stems still have a place indoors, in air conditioning and away from sunny windows. Outdoors, we lean toward sturdy, heat-tolerant flowers and plan installations as close to the start of an event as possible.

Fall: October to November

Fall in Tampa Bay is felt more in the light than the temperature, but the flowers change clearly. Dahlias, grown in cooler climates and shipped in, are at their peak from late summer into fall and bring the richest colors of the year: burgundy, coral, apricot and blush. Chrysanthemums, amaranthus and marigold tones join them, and palettes move toward rust, gold and deep plum.

The tablescape above, from a fall corporate event, shows the season at its best: marigold linens, low centerpieces in warm tones and plenty of texture.

Textures and tones through the year

Color is only half of a seasonal palette. Texture tells the season as clearly. Winter suits smooth, glossy surfaces and clean whites; spring is airy and loose; summer is bold and leafy; fall is layered and rich, with seed heads, dried grasses and velvety petals.

When we design a seasonal arrangement we usually choose the texture first and fill in the color second. It is why our Designer's Choice changes from week to week: it is built from whatever garden stems are at their peak, so it always reflects the moment.

Making seasonal flowers last in Florida

Florida's heat is hard on cut flowers, but a few habits help. Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, away from heat and away from cold air vents. Change the water daily and recut the stems every few days. When a wrapped bouquet arrives, unwrap and rehydrate it right away, trim about an inch off each stem on an angle and place it in fresh water; the stems will drink a lot at first, so top it up.

And remember that blooms vary through the season. A good florist will keep the look and palette of a design while swapping in what is freshest that week, which is exactly what you want.

Holidays on the flower calendar

A few dates shape the flower year as much as the weather does. Valentine's Day in February is the busiest week of the year for roses, and growers plan their harvests around it, so red roses are at their most expensive and most in demand. Ordering early, or choosing a palette beyond classic red, gives you more choice.

Mother's Day in May falls at a generous time of year, with garden roses, peonies and spring flowers all available. Late November and December bring the holidays, when evergreen texture, amaryllis and deep reds come back, along with corporate and residential holiday decor.

In Tampa Bay, the cooler months from late fall through spring are also the busiest for outdoor events and weddings, because the weather is kind. If you are planning a celebration in that window, book your florist early, especially for Saturdays.

Seasonal flowers for weddings and events

Choosing in-season flowers gives you the best quality for your budget and fewer surprises. Out-of-season flowers can still be possible, flown in from growers on the other side of the world, but expect less choice and higher prices. Tell us your date and the feeling you are after, and we will suggest flowers that will be at their peak.

See our weddings and events pages, browse arrangements in the shop, or contact us to plan something seasonal.