Hot Topics: Why Florists Need a Flower Fridge. Especially This Week
With temperatures soaring to 30 degrees in Ireland this week, florists across the country are all asking the same question: “How do I keep my flowers fresh in this heat?”
The answer? A proper flower fridge.
While it might be tempting to pop your blooms into a standard commercial food fridge or even your shop’s kitchen fridge for a quick cool-down, the reality is, not all fridges are created equal. And when it comes to floristry, choosing the right refrigeration can mean the difference between vibrant, long-lasting stems and a wilting disaster.
🥶 What’s the Difference Between a Flower Fridge and a Food Fridge?
Flower fridges are specifically designed to store fresh flowers at just the right conditions:
Temperature: Typically set between 1°C and 5°C, depending on the flower variety.
Humidity: Maintained at a high level (80–95%) to prevent stems from drying out.
Airflow: Gentle circulation protects delicate petals from dehydration or freezer burn.
Ethylene Control: Many units come with ethylene filters to slow the ageing process and stop early spoilage.
On the other hand, food fridges are built to keep food safe, not flowers alive:
Lower humidity dries out stems.
Stronger airflow can damage delicate petals.
No ethylene control, which means that if your fridge has fruit or vegetables nearby, it could actually be accelerating the ageing of your flowers.
💐 Real Talk: Why It Matters
In warm weather like we’re seeing this week, flower quality can deteriorate rapidly, especially during transport, storage, and prep. A good flower fridge helps maintain hydration, structure, and colour—all the things your customers expect when they walk through the door.
And for those running weddings, events, or large retail orders in this heat, you simply can’t afford to risk a shortened vase life.
🌡️ IOF Advice
If you’re still on the fence about investing in a flower fridge, this heatwave should be your wake-up call. Whether you’re a busy studio florist or a small shop owner, a proper floral refrigeration unit is one of the best investments you can make in your business.
Stay cool—and keep those blooms even cooler.
