We will periodically be bringing you highlights of what’s going on across the markets – fresh and hardgoods alike. We’ll touch on topics like supply & demand, season beginnings/endings, weather forecasts and everything in between. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Enjoy!
Miscellaneous and Schedule Items
Holiday Schedule- We will be offering delivery service on Saturday 12/17 and 12/24. We will be CLOSED Sunday 12/25 and Monday 12/26. Standing Orders for Friday 12/23 will be delivered on Thursday 12/22.
Distinctive Values– Please note that for the next 3 weeks we will not be mailing the Distinctive Values. It will be available only by email or on dvflora.com. We mailed the Week of Dec 12th already, an our next mailed edition will be or the week of January 9th. If you don’t already receive it via email, contact your sales rep and ask them to send it to you or check for it on our website.
Novelties
Stock– The demand for stock is typical for Dec with customers looking for, white, lavender, fuchsia, and burgundy. Burgundy is very limited and you we see shortages in the other high demand colors as we wait for trucks to arrive. There is little demand for pinks and yellows so we will buy accordingly.
Callas– The demand for callas both large and mini has decreased so we will continue to scale back our inventory as we move thru December. If you need specific varieties or any substantial quantities, it’s best that you get your order to your sales rep two weeks ahead for best results, or we may not be able to fill your order.
Delphinium– The supply of Delphinium from California will decrease in the next few weeks and prices will rise. You may start to see shortages in delph. The availability of delph from Ecuador has also slowed. Hybrid delph will be limited especially white. We do not expect to be able to keep up with the demand for White delph thru Christmas and New Year’s. Early orders are more likely to be filled than those last minute orders.
Roses
Reds– After a long period of great availability and low prices, Red Roses are quickly moving to holiday prices. Most farms are already at holiday price for Monday, and all farms will be at holiday prices by Wednesday.
Colors– No real changes in the market for other colors.
Spray Roses– We expect the market to be very tight on Red and White Spray Rose for the holiday. This is nothing unusual, but you would be wise to plan your needs and get your orders in as soon as possible to guarantee availability.
Fillers
Waxflower– The waxflower season in the southern hemisphere has ended. We have one more shipment from Australia scheduled to arrive for the coming week, which should be the last.. The good news is, California seems to be in full production of some early varieties. Prices are very competitive.
Laceflower/Limonium/Statice- White Laceflower, White Limonium and White Statice are all very limited in the market.
Basics
Alstroemeria– The demand for Red and White Alstro has increased GREATLY, as has pricing. We will most likely sell out of Red Alstro, but so far we have good quantities of White. Please try to plan your needs through the holiday now and get your orders in.
Carnations/Mini Carnations– Holiday oriented colors are now limited in availability. Mini Carnation Burgundy will be the most difficult color to obtain for the Holidays. We expect Holiday Pack Mini Carnations to sell out early. The limited availability of Burgundy and Peppermint Mini carns limits the number of Holiday packs that can be shipped.
Lilies– Both LA and Oriental WHITE Lilies will continue to be somewhat limited due to increased demand. Remember that Siberia is not the only White Oriental- there are others such as White Cup (see picture below) that you should try out.
Mums/Pom Pons– We look to be in good shape on most Poms and Disbuds for next week. As we move closer to Christmas, supply will continue to tighten and pricing will be moving upwards. White Cushion Polaris is being grown in a lower quantities than in the past as White Cushion Maisy and Artic Queen have gained market share. White Cushion Zembla is also VERY limited in production. Try out some of these varieties if you haven’t already.
Botanicals
Poinsettias– Poinsettias look great this year. We still have plenty of Red available but are starting to sell out of some of the novelty colors and sizes like Burgundy, Marble, Jingle Bells and Combos. Poinsettia Trees are already sold out.
Christmas Cactus– We are moving through our Zygo Cactus very quickly. We will get another shipment next week and that will be all we have available. Hanging Baskets are already sold out.
Cyclamen– We are sold out of the Local 4.5” but can still get the Canadian. We can still get more 6” locals.
Miscellaneous Plants– Our last shipment of local Paper Whites next week. After that we can still get Canadian, at least for now. We have some Azalea Trees in Red and White arriving this weekend. And check out the Kandy Kane Kalenchoes, available in 4” and 6” pots. (picture below)
Hardgoods
We are starting to sell out on the highest demand Holiday items as is to be expected. One unexpected struggle has been some of the Dried Branches. We are having trouble getting some items, in particular the taller White Painted Birch, as well as Silver, Gold and Iridescent branches and twigs. We are checking daily with our vendor and exploring other sources where we can.
