tiptoeing through the tulips.

well, in this case it’s tulips, but also peonies, dahlias, sunflowers and everything beautiful in-between. i took a trip to san francisco’s wholesale flower mart last week and was overwhelmed with choices! the flower mart is for floral buyers and designers all over the city, but it’s open to the public, too and i go quite often. martha stewart visited on a trip to san francisco recently and said, “it’s the best flower mart in the country!”. the prices are good, and i just wander around like i know what i’m doing — you don’t necessarily have to have a resale license or a flower market badge (which gets you an even greater discount), all are welcome to shop and visit. there’s even a cafe and coffee bar.

a little tip for you: there’s some flower vendors back, way back — in the large warehouse on the north side of the market that you might not notice if you don’t go wandering. i suggest heading back there, where the prices are more reasonable. the shops along the main market front (along the parking lot) are fine, too, but in the back is where i find the good stuff, and the bargains. this time i got this massive bunch of pink dahlias for $15, and some sweet peas, and a couple of other wild flowers i’m not sure how to identify, all for $12. they ended up making four bouquets around the house, and because they are the freshest of fresh, they’ve lasted well over a week. i like to get there early for the very freshest flowers. there are flower markets in amsterdam, los angeles, seattle, new york and several other major cities, so check your city, or visit san francisco’s flower mart on your next visit. it smells as good as it looks.

San Francisco Flower Mart
640 Brannan Street
San Francisco • 94107
hours & directions / open 6 days a week / closed on sundays