Florida plays a critical role in the U.S. floral supply chain, serving as a primary source of greenery for designers across the country. Right now, that supply is under strain as a prolonged freeze moves across the state, bringing consecutive nights of sub-freezing temperatures during the year's most important harvesting window.
Growers report more nights in the low 20s and below freezing than they have experienced since 1989. The timing could not be more challenging, as the freeze is unfolding during the peak Valentine’s Day harvest season. To better understand the scope of the situation, we spoke directly with our partners at Floral Greens Farmers of Florida about how the cold weather is impacting production, recovery timelines, and what florists should expect in the weeks ahead.
Valentine’s Day is already the most demanding harvesting period in a typical year, accounting for nearly 25 percent of annual floral greens sales within a narrow three-week shipping window. This year, that window has been significantly disrupted by ongoing freeze conditions.
To protect crops, farms run water continuously to prevent frost damage, a necessary practice that also limits when crews can safely enter the fields. Harvesting cannot begin until temperatures rise above 32 to 34 degrees and irrigation systems are shut off, dramatically reducing daily cutting time.
Despite these losses, Floral Greens Farmers of Florida are working collaboratively across the state to ensure that shipper orders are covered wherever possible, even under increasingly tight conditions.
Preparation for freeze events begins long before winter temperatures arrive. By late November and early December, farms begin winterizing their saran structures, adding additional walls to create thicker wind barriers than those used during the summer months. In fields without these added protections, growers anticipate heavier ice formation as part of their frost defense strategy.
As freeze events approach, teams ensure diesel tanks are full, backup systems are operational, irrigation valves are functioning properly, and sprinklers are free of clogs. These steps are critical, as any equipment failure during a freeze can result in immediate and irreversible crop damage.
Water is the primary tool used for frost protection. While ice-covered fern may appear concerning, the ice actually forms a protective 32-degree barrier around the plant, shielding it from colder air temperatures. Frost, particularly on dry or windy nights, poses the greatest threat and can quickly burn fern. Each night presents a different combination of variables, including temperature, wind, cloud cover, and humidity, requiring growers to make careful, real-time decisions even with decades of experience.
Not all crops respond the same way to extreme cold, and recovery timelines vary depending on both crop type and the severity of exposure.
Florida’s primary greens crop, Leatherleaf, is produced year-round, meaning farms always maintain a mix of young and mature fronds. Mature fronds are generally more tolerant of cold temperatures, while younger growth is more vulnerable to freeze damage. Once fern is damaged, it cannot be harvested, but unaffected areas continue through normal cutting cycles.
Other crops, including Pittosporum, face longer recovery periods following freeze events. If these crops sustain damage, harvesting typically cannot resume until the spring flush arrives and new growth is established.
As winter continues, growers expect overall production volume to remain reduced, with some decrease in average frond size. Conditions are expected to gradually improve as temperatures stabilize, with new crop availability typically increasing in early April, depending on weather patterns.
There is some relief in the timing of this freeze. Because the cold weather intensified in late January, most Valentine’s preorders had already shipped before conditions worsened. Growers are now focused on rebuilding inventory while fulfilling late-season orders and additional requests.
For florists sourcing greenery from Florida, pre-booked and standing orders are being prioritized, though availability for certain products may be limited. Flexibility with substitutions will be increasingly important as farms continue to recover.
Florida’s floral greens farmers are working through freezing nights, shortened harvest windows, and significant operational challenges to support the floral industry during its busiest season. This freeze underscores how closely weather, labor, and timing are interconnected in the supply chain, and how collaboration plays a key role in maintaining continuity during difficult conditions.
We are grateful for the transparency, resilience, and leadership shown by our partners at Floral Greens Farmers of Florida and all the farms affected by the severe weather!