Just Bloom Guide to the Biggest Flower-Growing Countries in the World
The global floriculture industry is a vibrant and growing sector, driven by countries with ideal climates, advanced agricultural practices, and strategic trade networks. This Just Bloom HK guide explores the top flower-growing countries, highlighting their major flowers, key growing regions, export markets, and unique characteristics, based on recent data and industry trends.
1. Netherlands
Major Flowers Grown: Tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, lilies
Key Growing Regions: South Holland, North Holland (Aalsmeer)
Export Markets: EU, USA, Asia
Unique Characteristics: The Netherlands is the global leader in flower production, contributing approximately 55% of the world’s flower exports as of 2025. Known as the “Flower Capital of the World,” it hosts the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest flower market globally, handling billions of flowers annually. Dutch growers cultivate 1,200–1,500 flower varieties, leveraging advanced greenhouse technology and centuries-old expertise.
Export Value (2024): US$5.3 billion (47.4% of global flower bouquet exports)
2. Colombia
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids
Key Growing Regions: Bogotá, Medellín
Export Markets: USA (80%), Russia, EU
Unique Characteristics: Colombia is the second-largest flower exporter, with a 15% global market share. Its equatorial climate and high-altitude regions provide ideal year-round growing conditions. The country’s roses are renowned for their large petals and vibrant colors, with sales reaching $2.05 billion in 2022. Favorable trade agreements, especially with the USA, boost its export volumes.
Export Volume (2023 Projection): 58,000 tons (700–800 million stems)
3. Ecuador
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, sunflowers, carnations, gypsophila
Key Growing Regions: Quito, Cuenca
Export Markets: USA, EU, Russia
Unique Characteristics: Ecuador is the world’s largest producer of high-quality roses, thanks to its equatorial location and rich volcanic soil. The country’s flowers are known for their large heads and long vase life. Ecuador leads in eco-friendly practices, with many farms adopting sustainable methods. It holds a 9% share of global cut flower exports.
Export Value (2022): $638 million (73% roses)
4. Kenya
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, carnations, alstroemeria, lilies
Key Growing Regions: Naivasha, Nairobi, Thika, Eldoret
Export Markets: EU (Netherlands, UK), Middle East, Asia
Unique Characteristics: Kenya is Africa’s leading flower exporter, with a 7% global market share. Its favorable climate, high-altitude regions, and proximity to Europe via air freight make it a key player. The industry employs over 500,000 people, with 39 of the world’s 67 Fairtrade flower organizations based here, generating significant socioeconomic benefits.
Production Capacity: Over 2.5 billion flowers annually
5. Ethiopia
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, carnations
Key Growing Regions: High-altitude plateaus near Addis Ababa
Export Markets: EU (Netherlands), Middle East, Asia
Unique Characteristics: Ethiopia is a rising star in the flower industry, known for producing the world’s largest volume of roses. Its high-altitude conditions and government support have fueled rapid growth, with a production capacity of over 2 billion flowers annually. The industry provides significant employment, particularly for women.
Export Growth (2023–2024): Up 23.8%
6. India
Major Flowers Grown: Marigolds, jasmine, roses, chrysanthemums
Key Growing Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal
Export Markets: Middle East, Southeast Asia
Unique Characteristics: India’s flower industry is driven by both domestic demand and exports, with a production capacity exceeding 1 billion flowers annually. Flowers hold cultural significance for festivals and ceremonies, with marigolds and jasmine being particularly prominent. India’s exports reached $12.45 billion in 2023, though this includes broader floriculture products.
Export Share: 2% of global flower production
7. China
Major Flowers Grown: Peonies, orchids, chrysanthemums
Key Growing Regions: Yunnan, Guangdong
Export Markets: Japan, South Korea, USA, EU
Unique Characteristics: China’s vast land and diverse climates support a production capacity of over 1.5 billion flowers annually. While primarily serving domestic demand for cultural events, its export presence is growing, contributing 1% to global flower exports.
Export Growth (2023–2024): Up 17.1%
8. Thailand
Major Flowers Grown: Orchids, jasmine, anthuriums, heliconias
Key Growing Regions: Chiang Mai, Bangkok
Export Markets: Japan, Australia, EU, USA
Unique Characteristics: Thailand’s tropical climate is ideal for orchids, which are globally renowned for their quality and variety. The country supplies 1.2% of global flower exports and promotes agritourism through flower markets and festivals.
Export Markets: Strong demand in Asia and beyond
9. Belgium
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, tuberous begonias
Key Growing Regions: Flanders
Export Markets: EU, Japan, North America
Unique Characteristics: Belgium holds a 3% share of global cut flower exports, with nearly half of the world’s commercially grown tuberous begonias originating from Flanders. Its advanced greenhouse technology supports high-quality production, though it faces competition from lower-cost producers.
Export Volume: Over 30 million tuberous begonias annually
10. Germany
Major Flowers Grown: Roses, chrysanthemums
Key Growing Regions: Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia
Export Markets: EU (France, Netherlands)
Unique Characteristics: Germany contributes 0.5% to global flower exports while also being a major importer. Its production jumped by 10.9% in 2020, reaching €2.973 billion. The country is becoming more self-sufficient, reducing reliance on imports from the Netherlands.
Export Growth (2010–2014): 120.7%
Key Trends and Insights
Global Market Growth: The global flower market is projected to reach $53.9 billion by 2032, growing at a 4.2% annual rate, driven by demand during holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Sustainability: Countries like Ecuador and Kenya are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation and reduced pesticide use, to meet global standards.
Logistics: Efficient air freight and cold chain logistics are critical, particularly for African exporters like Kenya and Ethiopia, ensuring fresh deliveries to Europe and beyond.
Challenges: Tighter environmental regulations in Europe and competition from emerging markets like India and Vietnam are reshaping the industry.
Hong Kong Florist tips
The world’s top flower-growing countries, led by the Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia, dominate the global floriculture market through their unique climates, advanced techniques, and strategic trade networks. Emerging players like India, China, and Thailand are also gaining prominence, driven by domestic demand and expanding exports. These countries collectively meet the world’s growing appetite for flowers, blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability to keep the industry blooming.
