Where does the huge variety of flowers in florist shops come from? Some of it passes through large wholesale auctions and markets, and some flower markets have become sights in their own right, drawing tourists with their colours and scents. Here are the world's most famous flower markets and the best times to visit them.
Often called the world's only floating flower market, it has occupied barges along the Singel canal since 1862. Today it mostly sells tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs, seeds, houseplants and souvenirs. It is open every day and very popular with tourists. If you buy bulbs to take home, check that they come with a phytosanitary certificate for export.
Near Amsterdam, in Aalsmeer, is one of the world's largest flower auctions, Royal FloraHolland. Millions of cut flowers and plants pass through it every day before being shipped around the world. Trading starts early on weekday mornings, and there is a viewing gallery for visitors.
The flower market on the Île de la Cité, near Notre-Dame, has been trading since the early 19th century. Its Art Nouveau-style pavilions are full of seasonal flowers, plants and garden accessories. In 2014 Queen Elizabeth II visited the market, and it was officially renamed in her honour: Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II.
London's best-known flower market is in the East End and runs on Sundays only, from early morning to early afternoon. The street fills with sellers of cut flowers, pot plants and bulbs, surrounded by around sixty small shops, galleries and cafés. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or near closing time when prices drop. The nearest stations are Hoxton and Bethnal Green.
The square's name means "field of flowers" — in the Middle Ages it was a meadow. Today a morning market sells flowers, vegetables, fruit and spices, and in the afternoon the square is taken over by cafés and restaurants. At its centre stands a statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno.
Bangkok's largest flower market is open around the clock but comes alive at night, when the heat eases and fresh flowers arrive. It sells mountains of orchids, roses, jasmine and marigolds, and artisans weave traditional temple garlands. The best time to visit is late evening or very early morning.
Among wholesale venues, the Royal FloraHolland auction in Aalsmeer; among tourist markets, Pak Khlong Talat in Bangkok.
Yes, but choose packs with a phytosanitary certificate and check your country's import rules.
You don't have to travel to Amsterdam for flowers: order a bouquet with UFL delivery in Kyiv — for example, Dutch tulips.
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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