The Cheapest Flowers for Every Month of a Year

Fresh flowers are used for gifts, celebrations and decorating the home or office. However, purchasing fresh flowers can be expensive. The best way to find the cheapest flowers for every month of a year is to buy flowers when they are in season and widely available.

January through March

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January through March is a good time to buy carnations, chrysanthemums, snapdragons, alstroemeria, daffodils and tulips. Avoid roses this time of year because of the Valentine's Day holiday, which causes the price of roses to skyrocket. Tulips are also priced higher in February, but their prices drop dramatically in March.

April through June

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April and May are busy months for flower growers because so many flowers are in season. The two-week period before Mother's Day in May sees price increases for spring flowers, especially for miniature roses, orchids, snapdragons and lilies. However, bargains are still available for cornflower, chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria and tulips. After Mother's Day, you can get good deals on snapdragons and lilies. In June, avoid the white flowers most often used in weddings, such as white roses, calla lilies, orchids and baby's breath.

July through September

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July through September is the slower period for the floral business. Colorful summer flowers such as gladiolas and Gerber daisies are less expensive this time of year. Chrysanthemums, snapdragons, carnations and alstroemeria are cheaper than in any other time during the year. July through August is the best time to buy any type of rose because of decreased demand. This is the time of year to buy orchids of all colors. Avoid flowers that grow from bulbs, such as lilies or tulips, this time of year. If they are available, they are expensive.

October through December

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October through December is a busy time for florists, but more flowers are becoming out of season, which drives up the cost. This is the one time of year when chrysanthemums, especially those with fall colors, are more expensive. However, carnations, alstroemeria and roses are still inexpensive this time of year. Any flower with fall colors of orange, red or yellow will cost more than a flower with spring colors of pale yellow, pink or blue. Greenery such as leather-leaf fern is often available at a good price because colorful seasonal foliage is in demand.

After Thanksgiving, flowers that are red or white begin to increase in price, including red roses, red chrysanthemums, white asters, lilies, snapdragons and baby's breath. Purchase flowers such as carnations, alstroemeria, daisies and lilies that are not red or white from Thanksgiving through Christmas for the best flower bargains.