Flowers That Travel the World: What Is Behind Spring Bouquets

In Ukraine, demand for flowers peaks around February 14 and March 8. These are key periods for the flower business, when consumer spending rises sharply and millions of bouquets travel long distances before reaching buyers.

Behind spring bouquets are heated greenhouses, air transport, refrigeration, packaging and intensive water use. Many flowers cross continents before they stand for a few days in a vase.

The environmental footprint depends on where and how flowers are grown. Local seasonal flowers usually have a lower impact than imported flowers grown in energy-intensive conditions and transported by air.

This does not mean giving up flowers. It means choosing more consciously: local growers, seasonal plants, potted alternatives and bouquets without excessive packaging.