Transporting flowers chilled: tips for the flower industry
Short answer: transport most cut flowers at 2–4 °C (tropical varieties such as orchids at 13–15 °C), in an insulated box or under a ventilated thermal cover, with gel packs along the sides and bottom — never in direct contact with the flowers. Also protect against dehydration, condensation and ethylene build-up.
Fresh flowers quickly lose quality if temperature control during transport is not properly managed. Too warm, and flowers dry out or bloom prematurely. Too cold, and you risk frost damage. The right packaging makes all the difference.
Optimal transport temperatures
- Roses, tulips, lilies: 2 – 4 °C
- Carnations, gerberas: 2 – 5 °C
- Orchids, anthuriums: 13 – 15 °C (tropical — too cold causes damage)
- Cut foliage: 1 – 4 °C
The challenge of flower transport
Flowers are living products. They respire, evaporate moisture and produce ethylene — a gas that accelerates ageing. Good packaging must:
- Maintain a stable temperature
- Regulate moisture (too dry = dehydration)
- Prevent ethylene build-up
- Provide mechanical protection
Recommended packaging
- Polystyrene Boxes or honeycomb cooling boxes for insulation
- Gel packs on the bottom and sides (no direct contact with flowers)
- Absorbent mats to prevent condensation
- Ventilated thermal covers for pallet transport
- Container desiccant bags for sea freight
International transport by air freight
Many Dutch flower exports go via Schiphol to markets in Asia, North America and the Middle East. Our pallet covers are used daily by air freight operators for:
- Protection against extreme outside temperatures on the tarmac
- Temperature stabilisation in cargo holds
- Preventing condensation during temperature changes
Practical tips
- Allow flowers to acclimatise to the chilled temperature in advance
- Avoid direct contact between ice and flowers
- Keep transport time as short as possible
- Communicate specific requirements to the carrier
For advice on your specific flower transport requirements, please contact our internal sales team.
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Need the right packaging right away? View our thermal pallet covers, gel packs and cold chain packaging for AGF & flowers.
