Flowers for holidays: when to order for key dates

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Before big holidays, flower shops work flat out: orders multiply and the most popular flowers sell out first. To get your bouquet on time and exactly as you wanted, it helps to know the flower calendar and order ahead. Here are the key dates of the year, when to order and how to avoid the holiday rush. All our advice for men is in one place — a man’s guide to choosing and giving flowers.

Order ahead: red roses, tulips and flowers for mum.

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The key flower dates of the year

• 14 February — peak demand for red roses: prices are highest and choice is narrower, so order 5–7 days ahead.
• 8 March — the busiest day for florists in Ukraine: tulips, mimosa, daffodils, hyacinths. Order a week or more ahead.
• Mother’s Day — the second Sunday of May in Ukraine: peonies, soft mixed bouquets, baskets.
• 1 September and Teachers’ Day (the first Sunday of October in Ukraine) — bright and autumnal bouquets.
• New Year holidays — evergreen arrangements, amaryllis, cyclamen.

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How to order stress-free

• Order early to get the flowers you want and a convenient delivery slot.
• Choose a wide time window — exact delivery times are harder to guarantee on holidays.
• Double-check recipient details: address, entrance, floor, phone.
• Allow substitutions — if a variety sells out, the florist will pick a similar one in colour and style.
• Prepare the card message in advance.

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What to choose for each occasion

14 February

Red roses are the classic, but peony-style roses, tulips and flower boxes are increasingly popular. Gift ideas: Valentine’s gift ideas for her.

8 March

Spring flowers: tulips in every colour, daffodils, hyacinths, irises. On varieties and colour meanings see Tulip varieties and colour meanings.

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Birthdays and anniversaries

It all depends on the recipient’s taste: favourite flowers, favourite colour and format — bouquet, box or basket. Ordering 1–2 days ahead is usually enough.

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Peak dates for flower orders

• 14 February — Valentine’s Day.
• 8 March — the biggest flower day of the year in Ukraine.
• Second Sunday of May — Mother’s Day.
• Late May and June — graduations.
• 1 September — first day of school.
• First Sunday of October — Teachers’ Day.
• Late December — New Year parties and holidays.

Order a few days ahead for these dates to get the bouquet you want and an exact delivery time.

FAQ

Can I order on the day itself?

Yes, but the choice will be smaller and the earliest delivery slots may be taken.

Why are flowers more expensive on holidays?

Demand for certain flowers, such as red roses for Valentine’s Day, rises sharply and wholesale prices go up.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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