The Joy I Get From This One Trader Joe's Item Is Unmatched

Every few weeks, I stroll into Trader Joe’s and spend 10 solid minutes in my favorite corner of the store: the flower section. In college, I discovered a love for arranging bouquets with two or three different flowers and sticking them in vases, cups, and mason jars all over my apartment. 

Having turned this simple pleasure into a steady routine, I quickly discovered that TJ’s has the most affordable, diverse, and long-lasting floral collection of any other grocery store, farmers market stand, or flower shop. 

Here are three reasons why you should buy your flowers from Trader Joe’s and nowhere else:

1. You Can’t Beat the Prices

When I buy three packs of flowers to arrange, I can fill up two large vases or three smaller ones. For multiple arrangements, I only spend roughly $17–that’s a bargain! In other grocery stores and flower shops, that would be the price of one dinky bouquet. 

On an episode of Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, the hosts shared that the flowers are so cheap because TJ’s purchases directly from growers. Here’s the current price breakdown:

• Filler flowers range from $3.99 to $4.99
• Filler greenery is $3.99
• Staple flowers range from $4.99 to $9.99

2. They Last Forever-ish

You may be thinking, if you were to buy these flowers as much as I do, surely the cost would add up—but think again! I only create an arrangement one to two times a month. When you buy several packages, you get at least two packets of plant food. This allows you to extend the life span of your bouquet by adding food every time you refill the vase with water.

Many of TJ’s flowers also look just as stunning dry as they did alive. I have left dried baby’s breath in vases for months, and it’s such a low-maintenance, sustainable way to keep your vases full on a budget. 

3. There Are So Many Options

I take my time in the flower section because there are so many fresh and beautiful options to choose from. From tulips to orchids, roses, and eucalyptus, there is no shortage of bins filled to the brim with different colors, shapes, and sizes.

TJ's also offers lots of seasonal varieties. Since they only emerge in certain months, snag them up before they go! Here are my seasonal favorites that you should look out for:

• Summer: peonies, sunflowers, and hydrangeas
• Fall: chrysanthemums, dahlias, feverfew, and wax flowers
• Winter: holly, hypericum berries, and Lunar New Year mums
• Spring: ranunculus, peony double tulips, and flowering branches

When the time comes to make my next bouquet, the only place I’ll go to is Trader Joe’s. Though TJ’s may be known more for its snacks or freezer section favorites, the flowers are my main attraction.