10 Common Myths About Florists and Flower Farming

The florist and flower farming industries are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that shape public perception. From the belief that florists spend their days casually arranging bouquets to the notion that flower farming is an effortless, romanticized endeavor, these industries are frequently misunderstood. In reality, both floristry and flower farming require a deep understanding of horticulture, design, and business acumen, along with a dedication to long hours and hands-on work. Breaking down these myths reveals the complexity, skill, and passion behind each bouquet and every bloom nurtured in the field.

1. Myth: Florists Just Arrange Flowers All Day

• Reality: Florists manage a range of tasks beyond arranging flowers, from sourcing supplies and maintaining client relationships to budgeting, designing, and marketing. They also care for delicate inventory and manage logistics.

  A day in the life of a florist - The Start of the Day - you open up your store, turn your phones on to receive calls, turn on your computer, and start your POS system. Next, you check all of your emails, and follow up with messages, all while answering the phones and helping walk-in customers. You may also have wedding or event consultations setup throughout the day. There are also orders that need to be fulfilled so your delivery driver can get on the road. Prep is required for any events taking place that week. This is just to name a few of the many tasks that is required of a florist.

2. Myth: Flower Farming is a Simple Job

• Reality: Flower farming involves hard labor, including planting, harvesting, pest control, and weather dependency. Farmers must also be knowledgeable about soil health, crop rotation, and sustainable practices to maintain a successful farm.

Flower farming is a delicate balance of planning and execution. You need to take into account your soil, sunlight levels, weather, water, and so much more. Knowing quantities needed when ordering seeds and bulbs for your farm is a critical step to making sure you have the space as well as the product you want to yield for the best profits possible. One your plants begin to grow, they are like little babies that you need to tend to as they grow up and mature into beautiful blooms. You are the parent to thousands upon thousands of flowers, and their success relies on you as a farmer. It is your responsibility to keep them safe from pests, rodents, animals, inclement weather and other dangers. In addition to the field work, it is important to ensure that you have a good network of customers and clients for your business. Marketing is another responsibility for farmers, an strong online presence can make all the difference when trying to promote your business.

And once the growing season is over, farmers must scrape their fields (with the exception of lavender, peonies, etc.) in preparation for the start of their next growing season.

3. Myth: Flowers from Florists Are Overpriced

• Reality: The price reflects quality, expertise, and care, including costs for growing, harvesting, storage, transportation, and skilled arranging. Florists often source unique or premium flowers that aren’t easily found at supermarkets.

There are a few factors that determine what a florist’s level of pricing might be. Location is a big factor - a florist in NYC is going to cost more than a small town florist. A lot of this has to do with the expenses of having a business in such a large city. And just about every florist is going to be more “expensive” than a grocery store. The reason for this is because grocery stores and big box retailers order bulk quantities of flowers (typically premade bouquets). They do not put the time into properly processing and hydrating the flowers, cleaning up the petals and leaves to avoid molding, etc. This is why the price is so much cheaper than going to a floral studio, because there is not much labor put into the 1 dozen rose bouquets or loose bunches that the grocery stores have to offer.

4. Myth: Flower Farming is Not Profitable

• Reality: Flower farming can be profitable when properly managed, with a focus on quality, marketing, and customer relationships. Successful farms diversify, sell directly to florists, and sometimes create unique products or events.

Flower farm can be extremely profitable. You have to figure out what sets yourself apart from other flower farmers. Find a niche or a void in the industry that you can fulfill, and you will be on your way to loads of success! And with the right network of supporters, you will become extremely profitable just through word-of-mouth alone.

5. Myth: Artificial Flowers Are Better Because They Last Longer

• Reality: While artificial flowers don’t wilt, they lack the beauty, fragrance, and freshness of real blooms. Real flowers offer a sensory experience that artificial ones can't replicate, and they decompose naturally, unlike artificial alternatives.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some really top quality artificial flowers out nowadays, but the highest quality blooms cost just as much (if not more) than the real deal. So if you are looking for wedding flowers for example, creating your bouquets with artificial flowers may not save you much money in the grand scheme of things. I personally prefer the look of fresh flowers if you are looking to achieve a loose, more wildflower look, because the real flowers have a softer bounce and wispiness to them compared to the plastic stems of the artificial flowers. Artificial flowers tend to have more of a stiff look to them.

6. Myth: Local Flowers Can Be More Expensive

• Reality: Local flowers can actually be more affordable since they don’t require long-distance shipping. However, cost varies depending on the types of flowers grown and regional conditions.

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are looking for a more affordable option, local is the way to go! Even if you are buying from a florist, if they source their blooms from a local farmer, they can oftentimes offer their flowers at a lower price because they cost less from the farm. So if your favorite flower is in season and coming from a local farm, chances are you can get it at a lower price that time of year. Some flower farms offer the option for you to buy directly from the farm, in the form of bulk buckets. These bulk buckets can be a great option if you are looking to DIY your wedding bouquets and centerpieces.

7. Myth: It’s Best to Buy Flowers Directly from the Supermarket

• Reality: While convenient, supermarket flowers often lack the quality, freshness, and variety that florists can offer. Florists source higher-quality flowers that are fresher and properly handled for longer-lasting arrangements.

Flowers come in different grade levels, kind of like meat at the supermarket. Florists typically purchase higher grade flowers compared to supermarkets. So when you shop at a florist, you are shopping better quality blooms.

8. Myth: Different Flowers Have Different Care Needs

• Reality: Different types of flowers have distinct care needs. Some require more water, while others are sensitive to direct sunlight. Florists educate clients on proper flower care to maximize longevity.

One example of a flower that requires different care needs is the zinnia. When zinnias are harvested, they actually hold up better if you store them in water OUTSIDE of your cooler. I learned this at one of the flower shops where I worked previously. When they are stored in the flower cooler, they tend to dry out and turn brown faster than if they are stored at room temperatures.

9. Myth: Florists Don’t Grow Their Own Flowers

• Reality: Many florists grow their own blooms or source from local flower farms. This helps ensure freshness, quality, and sustainability. Flower farmers are essential partners, especially for florists focusing on seasonal, unique arrangements.

Some florists grow their own flowers. If you are particularly looking for someone who grows their own flowers, you could search for a “farmer florist” in your area. If florists have the space to grow their own blooms, chances are they might do so in order to help cut costs on their favorite or most ‘in-demand’ flowers.

10. Myth: Wedding Flowers Can Be Replicated from Only Pictures EXACTLY

• Reality: Every flower arrangement is unique due to seasonal availability, flower variety, and color variations. Florists aim to match the vision but often adapt based on what’s available.

When it al boils down, flowers are a product of nature. Colors may vary, shape may vary. A florist can do their best to recreate a bouquet from a photo, but in reality the replication is never going to be 100% exactly the same as the original bouquet in the photo. Oftentimes, clients will ask for a similar rendition of the bouquet in the form of a vase arrangement to present to their partner on their anniversary. This is a sweet gesture, and I even like suggesting that they add a new touch to the arrangement each year as a symbol of their relationship evolving!