Trader Joe’s
SELECTION
There was an impressive selection of seasonal arrangements to choose from as well as lots of single-variety bouquets. The bouquets are smaller than those at the other stores we shopped but also half the price, so you can buy in multiples to achieve your desired fullness. An employee told us they receive floral shipments daily.*
THE BOUQUET
It took two bouquets to create a full arrangement. Mostly yellow daisies with a few lilies and roses. One sprig of eucalyptus for greenery.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
Within a few days, several daisies started to look withered. Yet all in all, the bouquet held up well. By day 10, it wasn’t perfect (a few wilted flowers and drooping roses), but it was still displayable.
COST
$12.97
THROWN OUT ON…
Day 11
FINAL TAKE
For the price, variety, and resilience, Trader Joe’s is our winner. (Bonus points for proximity to Cookie Butter.)
Central Market
SELECTION
THE BOUQUET
Three open lilies and two yet to open, with a variety of richly hued filler flowers including Peruvian lily. Generous, varying accent greenery. No flower food included.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
The two closed lilies turned brown and wilted within five days, having never bloomed. The rest held up—despite looking a little wilted—for another few days.
COST
$21.64
THROWN OUT ON…
Day 10
FINAL TAKE
Pretty enough to pass for a professional arrangement—but you pay for it.
Tom Thumb
5809 E. Lovers Ln.
214-750-3200
tomthumb.com
SELECTION
An impressive and plentiful variety of styles, colors, prices, and mixes. Many of the bouquets we picked up contained at least one flower that looked a bit haggard, but we managed to find one that looked uniformly fresh. An employee reported that their shipments come on Mondays and Fridays.
THE BOUQUET
Two open lilies and two yet to bloom, a pair of roses and gerbera daisies, with Peruvian lily, green chrysanthemums, and leaves for filler. Not as full as those from some other stores.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
These started looking sad the fastest. The gerbera daisies were goners within three days. The roses dried without ever having opened. First to be tossed.
COST
$16.23
THROWN OUT ON…
Day 8
FINAL TAKE
Great selection, but poor performing.
Fiesta
5334 Ross Ave.
214-887-3000
fiestamart.com
SELECTION
THE BOUQUET
A nice variety of flowers, but only one of each in most cases, resulting in a haphazard look. Some filler blooms were limp upon purchase. No flower food included.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
The water turned a vibrant pink, indicating dye in the flowers. The lilies started to brown and wither within four days. The other flowers held on a few days longer, but it was the second to see the inside of our trash can.
COST
$10.81
THROWN OUT ON…
Day 9
FINAL TAKE
If you are mid-grocery run and realize you forgot your anniversary, these will do. Otherwise, not your best option.
SuperTarget
6419 Skillman St.
214-348-0240
target.com
SELECTION
THE BOUQUET
Two open lilies and two yet to open—all very small in size. Green chrysanthemums, daisies, and Peruvian lily for filler. No greenery. Underwhelming for the price.
HOW THEY PERFORMED
The lilies shriveled within a few days and were all dead within the first week, but the filler flowers continued to thrive for another week and a half. In fact, the green chrysanthemums bloomed in a way we’d never seen before.
COST
$16.23
THROWN OUT ON…
The lilies needed to go by day 7, but the secondary flowers looked good through day 16.
FINAL TAKE
Like that nice guy your friends say you should go out with: What he lacks in looks, he makes up for in effort.
*All five of our bouquets were purchased on a Monday morning.
