Daoflowers offers hydrangeas from growers in Colombia and Kenya. These sourcing regions differ in terms of product range, available specifications, and purchasing conditions.
When selecting hydrangeas, it is important to consider not only the color but also the flower head size, stem length, packaging type, and grading specifications. The available options and the way these characteristics are assessed depend on the country of origin and the individual grower.
Minimum Hydrangea Order
- Colombia: 1 Quattro Box = 1 QB = 0.25 FB
- Kenya: 1 Small Jumbo Box = 1 SJB
Packaging
Hydrangeas from Colombia and Kenya are supplied as individual stems rather than pre-bunched flowers. Each stem is individually wrapped in a plastic or textile sleeve, depending on the grower and the packaging method used.
The number of stems per box depends primarily on the flower head size, variety, product specifications, and box format.
The larger the flower heads, the fewer stems fit into a box. Therefore, when comparing offers, it is important to consider not only the price per box but also the number of stems, flower head size, and actual cost per stem.
Colombia
Standard packaging: 1 stem
In most cases, Colombian growers use individual bags with a special hydration solution at the base of the stem to help maintain hydration and freshness during transportation.
Box types used for hydrangeas from Colombia:
QB (Quattro Box)
Average packing quantities by grade (flower head size):
- 24+ cm: 20 stems per QB (occasionally 15 stems)
- 20–22 cm: 35 stems per QB
- 18–20 cm: 35–40 stems per QB
- 16–18 cm: 40 stems per QB
- 9–12 cm: 60 stems per QB
Kenya
Standard packaging: 1 stem
Kenyan growers generally do not use individual bags with a hydration solution at the base of the stem. However, hydrangea preparation and packaging methods may vary from one grower to another.
Box types used for hydrangeas from Kenya:
SJB (Small Jumbo Box)
The number of stems per SJB may vary depending on the grade and the farm:
- SJB: 50–80 stems
- SJB: 100–120 stems
❗ Important:
These figures are indicative of common packaging formats. The actual number of stems may vary depending on the offer from a specific farm.
Characteristics of Hydrangeas by Country of Origin
Each sourcing region has its own characteristics that determine which products are best suited to a particular order.
Colombia
- Favorable growing conditions for hydrangeas: a temperate climate, high humidity, and volcanic soils
- A broad grower base
- Availability of natural, undyed colors
- A diverse range of dyed products
- Various flower head sizes
- The possibility of agreeing on individual product specifications in advance
- Suitable for orders where a specific flower head size, particular color, or combination of shades is important
Kenya
- Expands the product range with additional natural colors
- Dyed products are not available
- Some Kenyan growers cultivate hydrangeas with stems up to 70 cm long. However, this is a characteristic of specific growers rather than a standard specification for all Kenyan hydrangeas
Why We Are Not Currently Considering Ecuador for Hydrangea Purchasing
When selecting suppliers, Daoflowers evaluates the balance between price and quality, production consistency, and the reliability of information regarding product origin.
At present, only a few farms in Ecuador grow hydrangeas. Some of these growers are working with Dutch varieties. The quality of their products may be acceptable, but the assortment remains very limited, production is inconsistent, and prices are unjustifiably high compared with the alternatives available. The quality of hydrangeas from other local growers, both natural and dyed, has not yet reached the level of Colombian products.
Another concern is product origin. Some Ecuadorian suppliers purchase hydrangeas in Colombia, repack them in boxes under their own brands, and sell them as Ecuadorian products. Therefore, the packaging brand and the declared country of origin do not always reflect where the flowers were actually grown. Furthermore, this arrangement does not involve direct purchasing from the grower, whereas Daoflowers works directly with the farms that cultivate the flowers.
This assessment reflects the current market situation and is not a final decision. We continue to monitor the market and track the emergence of new reliable growers capable of ensuring consistent supply, good quality, and competitive prices. At this stage, Colombia and Kenya remain our primary hydrangea sourcing regions.
Sizes / Gradations
Colombia
Colombian hydrangeas are generally supplied with a stem length of approximately 60 cm and are classified into size gradations according to flower head diameter:
- Select: flower head diameter 16–18 cm
- Super: flower head diameter 18–19 cm
- Premium: flower head diameter 19–22 cm (average reference size: 20 cm)
- Jumbo: flower head diameter 22+ cm
❗ Important:
- The primary grading criterion for Colombian hydrangeas is flower head diameter
- Stem length is not guaranteed as a separate order specification
- The Super grade is offered by a limited number of farms and is less commonly available on the market
- The majority of supply is concentrated in the Premium and Jumbo categories, which remain the most consistent in terms of availability and demand
Kenya
Kenyan hydrangeas are graded by stem length, typically ranging from 40 to 70 cm. Flower head diameter is generally around 16–18 cm but may vary.
❗ Important:
- The primary grading criterion for Kenyan hydrangeas is stem length
- Flower head size is not guaranteed as a separate order specification
Purchase Format
Hydrangeas are generally offered by color and variety, as well as by flower head size grade in Colombia or stem length in Kenya.
Hydrangeas can be ordered in several formats, depending on the customer's requirements:
- By color: one color per box
- By variety: one variety per box
- Farm mixes: a selection assembled at the farm's discretion
- Custom mixes requested by the customer: we can agree on and, where possible, monitor the farm's packing of up to three specific varieties or colors/shades per box
- Mixes within the same color family: for example, a pink or pastel mix of hydrangeas in different shades
❗ Important:
The possibility of preparing custom mixes at the customer's request:
- Depends on the farm and product availability
- Requires prior agreement
- Cannot always be guaranteed in full, but we provide as much support and oversight as possible throughout the process
- For greater certainty, we recommend placing a standing order. In this case, the agreed farm will pack the same selection of varieties or colors for the customer every week. Please note that this standardized format may be more expensive than a regular mix assembled at the farm's discretion
Ordering Guidelines
- Place your order in advance - at least 4-5 days before the scheduled departure from Bogota Airport. Most hydrangea-growing farms are located in the Medellin area, making same-day delivery of the product to Bogota Airport impossible.
- If you use our flower cargo delivery service to Amsterdam, orders for Sunday arrivals are accepted on Monday, while orders for Tuesday or Wednesday arrivals are accepted on Thursday. For other destinations, our managers will advise you on the best time to place your order to help ensure timely and complete fulfillment.
- Pay particular attention to orders that include high-demand or seasonal colors. Placing these orders in advance significantly increases the likelihood of confirmation.
❗ Important:
Hydrangeas are purchased primarily against advance orders. They rarely appear in the offers on our trading platform due to the specific requirements of product preparation and logistics. We therefore recommend confirming your order in advance, especially when specific varieties, shades, or volumes are required.
Availability
Hydrangeas from Colombia and Kenya are available year-round. However, the assortment, flower head sizes, and available volumes vary depending on the country of origin, grower, and seasonal or climatic factors.
The choice of sourcing region depends on the required quality, product specifications, and assortment.
When availability is limited or certain positions are in short supply, an alternative country of origin may be considered, provided that the available products meet the order requirements.
The Daoflowers team is always ready to:
- Select the most suitable country of origin
- Offer alternatives
- Provide advice on packaging, quality specifications, and current market conditions
Hydrangeas can vary significantly in their characteristics, even within the same country of origin. That is why successful procurement starts with clearly defined product requirements and an understanding of which specifications the supplier can guarantee.
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