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Costco Flowers: A Blooming Good Deal or Just a Bud?

Yes, Costco does sell flowers in their warehouse stores. In fact, they are renowned for offering a surprisingly wide variety of fresh, high-quality flowers at significantly lower prices than traditional florists or grocery stores.

Why Costco Flowers Are Buzzworthy

Let’s face it, flowers can be expensive. But Costco, in its ever-expanding realm of discounted delights, offers a genuine opportunity to enjoy the beauty of blossoms without breaking the bank. Their floral offerings are particularly appealing for several reasons:

Price Point: This is the big one. Costco leverages its bulk-buying power to secure incredibly competitive prices from flower growers and distributors. You’ll often find bouquets, arrangements, and even individual stems at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
Quality: Don’t let the low prices fool you. Costco takes quality seriously. They typically source their flowers directly, minimizing the time between harvest and sale, which translates to fresher, longer-lasting blooms.
Variety: While selection varies by location and season, you can usually find a decent array of options, from classic roses and lilies to seasonal favorites like tulips, sunflowers, and hydrangeas. They also carry greenery and filler flowers to create your own arrangements.
Arrangements: For those who prefer convenience, Costco also offers pre-made bouquets and arrangements, perfect for gifting or adding instant beauty to your home. These are professionally arranged and often incorporate a variety of flower types.
Special Occasions: Costco frequently ramps up its floral offerings around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving, providing even more choices for those looking for a beautiful and affordable way to celebrate.

Navigating the Costco Floral Landscape

Finding the perfect blooms at Costco requires a bit of strategy. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Location Matters: The floral section is typically located in the refrigerated section near the produce or bakery departments. Ask a Costco employee if you can’t find it.
Selection Varies: Inventory changes frequently, so what’s available one day might be gone the next. This is due to seasonal availability, supply chain fluctuations, and the popularity of certain varieties.
Check for Freshness: Inspect the flowers carefully before purchasing. Look for vibrant colors, firm stems, and no signs of wilting or browning. Check the water level in the buckets or vases.
DIY Potential: Many Costco shoppers purchase individual bunches of flowers to create their own custom arrangements. This is a great way to personalize your floral displays and save even more money.
Online Options: While the in-store selection is generally wider, Costco also offers a limited selection of floral arrangements and plants online. However, these typically come with a higher price tag due to shipping costs.

Pro Tips for Prolonging Flower Life

Once you’ve selected your Costco flowers, here are a few tips to keep them looking their best:

Recut the Stems: Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently.
Remove Lower Leaves: Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water. These leaves can rot and contaminate the water, shortening the life of the flowers.
Use Flower Food: Costco often provides flower food packets with their bouquets. Follow the instructions on the packet to add the correct amount of food to the water.
Change the Water Regularly: Replace the water every one to two days, and add fresh flower food each time.
Keep Flowers Cool: Avoid placing flowers in direct sunlight or near sources of heat. A cool, shaded location will help them last longer.

Costco Flowers: The Verdict

Overall, Costco is an excellent option for purchasing flowers, especially if you’re looking for affordability and decent quality. While the selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated florist, the prices are hard to beat, and the flowers are generally fresh and long-lasting. With a little planning and attention, you can enjoy beautiful blooms without emptying your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Costco Flowers

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding purchasing flowers from Costco:

Does Costco offer flower delivery?

While Costco does sell some flower arrangements online, which are delivered, they generally do not offer flower delivery from their warehouse locations. The floral selection available online is usually more limited than what you find in-store. Check the Costco website for available arrangements with delivery options.
What types of flowers can I typically find at Costco?
Costco typically carries a variety of roses, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, gerbera daisies, tulips (seasonal), sunflowers (seasonal), hydrangeas (seasonal), and various greenery and filler flowers. The exact selection will vary based on location and season.
How much do flowers cost at Costco?
The cost of flowers at Costco varies depending on the type, arrangement, and quantity. However, in general, you can expect to pay significantly less than you would at a traditional florist. Bouquets can range from $10 to $30, while larger arrangements might cost $30 to $50. Individual bunches of flowers are often available for under $10.
Are Costco flowers fresh?
Yes, Costco is known for selling fresh flowers. They source their flowers directly, which minimizes the time between harvest and sale. Always check the flowers for signs of freshness before purchasing, such as vibrant colors, firm stems, and no wilting.
Does Costco have flowers for special occasions like weddings or funerals?
Costco can be a good option for sourcing bulk flowers for events like weddings or large gatherings. While they might not offer custom floral design services, you can purchase large quantities of individual bunches and create your own arrangements. They do not typically offer specifically designed sympathy arrangements in-store.
Can I order custom floral arrangements from Costco?
No, Costco does not typically offer custom floral arrangement services. They primarily sell pre-made bouquets and arrangements, as well as individual bunches of flowers that you can use to create your own custom designs.
Do I need a Costco membership to buy flowers?
Yes, you need a Costco membership to purchase flowers at their warehouse locations. However, if you are buying flowers online through Costco.com, you can sometimes purchase flowers without a membership.
How long do Costco flowers typically last?
With proper care, Costco flowers can last for 7-10 days, or even longer. Be sure to recut the stems, remove lower leaves, use flower food, and change the water regularly.
Does Costco sell plants?
Yes, Costco does sell plants, both indoors and outdoors. The selection varies by location and season. You can often find potted plants like orchids, succulents, and seasonal favorites like poinsettias during the holidays.
Can I return flowers to Costco if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, Costco has a very generous return policy. If you are not satisfied with your flowers for any reason, you can typically return them for a full refund.
Are Costco’s flower prices the same online and in-store?
No, the prices are typically different. Online floral arrangements will generally be more expensive to account for the added costs of shipping and handling. The in-store selection is usually more affordable.
Does Costco offer seasonal flowers?
Yes, Costco offers a wide range of seasonal flowers. You can find tulips in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, mums in the fall, and poinsettias in the winter, among other seasonal varieties. Be sure to check their selection regularly to see what’s new.