When you think of Aldi, the first things that probably come to mind are low prices, quirky private label products, and a speedy checkout process. But did you know this German discount supermarket chain is also an amazing place to buy fresh flowers? That‘s right – you can spruce up your home or surprise a loved one with a beautiful bouquet, all while sticking to your grocery budget.
As an avid Aldi shopper and flower enthusiast myself, I‘m excited to share everything I‘ve learned about snagging the best blooms from this retailer. Consider this your ultimate guide to buying flowers at Aldi, from prices and quality to seasonality and more.
Aldi‘s Floral Footprint: By the Numbers
Aldi might not be the first place that comes to mind for buying fresh cuts, but they‘ve actually carved out a significant chunk of the flower market. The U.S. floral industry is worth an estimated $5 billion, with grocery stores accounting for around 50% of all flower sales. While Aldi doesn‘t share specific revenue figures, it‘s safe to say their uber-affordable bouquets contribute a healthy slice of the pie.
"Flowers are an important business for Aldi, especially around holidays," shares Sarah H., a former Floral Purchaser for Aldi US. "Valentine‘s Day and Mother‘s Day week, stores receive daily floral deliveries vs. the standard 1-2 times a week to keep up with demand."
So just how many flowers are we talking? For context, in 2019, Aldi sold 5 million red roses in a single week leading up to Valentine‘s Day. And that‘s just one flower variety for one holiday!
The Basics: Aldi‘s Year-Round Flower Selection
No matter the time of year, you can count on Aldi to stock an affordable, high-quality selection of mixed bouquets and single flower variety bunches. The star of the show is undoubtedly the $3.99 everyday bouquet. These wallet-friendly bundles feature a rotating assortment of blooms like roses, tulips, carnations, daisies, and fillers like baby‘s breath and greenery.
The exact composition of the $3.99 bouquets changes regularly to reflect what‘s in season and at peak freshness, but you‘ll usually get between 7 to 12 stems. Considering a single cut rose often goes for $2-3 at other stores, paying just under $4 for a whole Aldi bouquet feels like a steal.
| Retailer | Price for Dozen Roses |
|---|---|
| Aldi | $10 |
| Trader Joe‘s | $13 |
| Kroger | $20 |
| Whole Foods | $25 |
| 1-800-Flowers | $30 |
*Prices sourced Feb 2023
In my experience, Aldi‘s flowers are impressively hardy and long-lasting, especially for the price. With the proper care (more on that later!), I‘ve had some arrangements perk along for close to two weeks. The key is buying them as fresh as possible. Since Aldi receives flower shipments and restocks on Wednesdays, shopping early that morning will get you the pick of the bunch.
Beyond the Basics: Aldi‘s Seasonal and Limited-Time Flower Offerings
As wonderful as the $3.99 bouquets are, Aldi‘s seasonal and limited-time promotions are where their floral department really shines. The store goes all out around gift-giving holidays, stocking premium bouquets and lush plants at prices that still manage to undercut the competition.
For Valentine‘s Day, you‘ll find eye-catching bundles of one or two dozen roses in classic red, pretty pink, and elegant white starting at just $10. Compare that to the $20-30 you‘d shell out at a florist or $50+ from an online flower delivery service!
Come springtime, Aldi rolls out a cheery mix of seasonal blooms like colorful tulips, fragrant hyacinths, and my personal favorite, pillowy peonies. Stems are sold a la carte so you can mix and match your own bouquet, or in pre-made arrangements for around $8.
As fall rolls around, you‘ll see bouquets transition to rich jewel tones, rustic prairie-inspired mixes, and pops of golden yellow perfect for decorating around Thanksgiving. And of course, December means a festive explosion of evergreens, poinsettias, and amaryllis to help deck your halls.
These special seasonal offerings tend to be advertised as limited-time "Aldi Finds" in stores and online, so if you spot something you love, snap it up fast before it‘s gone. Post-holiday, you might score huge discounts on unsold seasonal stock. I‘ve nabbed 50% off roses and cheerful daffodil bunches for just $1!
The Dirt on Aldi‘s Flower Sourcing and Quality
As a sustainably-minded shopper, I love that all Aldi flowers are certified under the Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance programs. This means the blooms aren‘t just beautiful, but they‘re also sourced in a way that is ethical and environmentally-conscious.
"Aldi has direct partnerships with flower farms that are independently audited to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental stewardship," shares Sarah H. "It allows us to keep prices low while maintaining quality and social responsibility standards."
Aldi also has high benchmarks for aesthetic quality and vase life in the varieties chosen for stores, so you‘re unlikely to end up with droopy, short-lived blooms. "Our team works closely with suppliers to identify the hardiest, most vibrant varieties that will look great and last," says Sarah. "If something isn‘t up to par, it doesn‘t make it to stores."
Tips for Making Your Aldi Flowers Last
You already know you‘re getting a sweet deal on Aldi blooms, but with a little TLC you can really extend your enjoyment. Most Aldi bouquets come with a packet of flower food and care instructions to get you started. Here are a few more pro tips to try:
- Start with a clean vase and fresh, cool water
- Remove any foliage that falls below the water line to prevent icky bacterial growth
- Recut stems at a 45 degree angle before placing in the vase for maximum water absorption
- Change the water and snip stems every 2-3 days to refresh
- Display flowers away from drafts, direct sunlight and ripening fruit which emits ethylene gas
I‘ve also experimented with some unconventional vase mix-ins like a splash of soda, a crushed aspirin, or a penny to see if they extend life as some swear by. The results weren‘t super scientific but could be worth a shot if you‘re feeling adventurous!
Aldi Floral Inspo: 6 Ways to Use Your Bouquets
One of the best parts about Aldi flowers being so affordable is that you can treat yourself to bouquets on the regular, not just special occasions. Here are some fun ways I like to use them:
- Brighten up a WFH desk or nightstand with a mini bunch
- Mix and match bouquets to create a custom centerpiece for dinner parties
- Float single stems in varied glass vessels down the length of a table
- Tuck small cuttings into a lapel or hair updo for a fresh take on a corsage
- Press delicate blooms between heavy books to create DIY botanical art
- Tie single stems to a gift in lieu of a bow for an elegant finishing touch
Bonus points if you snap and share a pic of your creation and tag @aldiusa – you might just find yourself regrammed!
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy Flowers at Aldi?
If you‘re looking for lovely, affordable flowers and have an Aldi nearby – absolutely give their floral department a try! Even as someone who loves splurging on fancy flower arrangements from time to time, I‘m consistently impressed by the quality and value Aldi offers, from the humble $4 bunch to the abundant holiday bouquets.
Aldi is an especially helpful resource when you need a large quantity of flowers at once, for a wedding, shower, or other big event. Buying in bulk there will save you a bundle compared to other retailers.
The main thing to keep in mind is that flower availability and colors will vary week to week at Aldi. If you have your heart set on an exact variety or palette, your best bet is to call a dedicated florist to special order precisely what you need. But if you walk in with an open mind, you‘re sure to walk out with a bouquet that delights, at a price that does the same for your wallet.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to dive into the wonderful world of Aldi flowers face first. Here‘s to enjoying more gorgeous blooms in your life and home, more often. Happy flower shopping!
