My Preparations for Valentine's Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, demands from customers reach a peak here at Miss Alstroemeria. It is a period that requires focus, precision, and close coordination across the entire team.

Planning for Valentine's at Miss Alstroemeria

While the overall volumes we deliver remain consistent with previous years, the way we prepare has evolved. More and more customers prefer to agree on their orders well in advance, which places even greater importance on careful planning. For Miss Alstroemeria, it means that we only sell in advance to clients who are loyal to us the whole year, not only during the peak moments for flower sales, but also when the season is low, and stable orders are of much more importance for us as growers.

Miss Tesselaar alstros for Valentine by Stefan van Berlo — *Alstroemeria Bubblicious in a design by Stefan Van Berlo for Flower Circus*

Early order commitments provide clarity for our customers, but they also ask a lot from our internal processes. Planning and harvesting volumes must align seamlessly. Every stem counts, and timing is crucial. In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, we closely monitor crop development, stem quality, and expected yields. This allows us to fine-tune our harvest schedule so that we can meet agreed quantities without compromising quality.

Our crop manager and product coordinator work hand in hand during this period. Daily assessments in the greenhouse help us anticipate growth patterns and adjust where necessary.

Karolien Tesselaar My Preparations for Valentines Day at work — *Preparations off and in the field*

It Never Becomes a Routine

Although Valentine’s Day is a familiar peak moment for us, it never becomes routine. Each year brings its own dynamics, and advance ordering adds an extra layer of responsibility. It pushes us to be even more precise, transparent, and reliable in our processes.

Ultimately, our goal remains unchanged: to deliver the same trusted volumes our customers expect, with the quality they rely on. By aligning planning and harvesting so closely, we ensure that Valentine’s Day flowers leave our greenhouse in perfect condition, ready to play a meaningful role in one of the most important moments of the year for florists and consumers alike.

Miss Tesselaar alstros for Valentine byLiek — *Alstroemeria Panorama and Bubblicious. Photos by Lieke Alblas @unstockable_nl*

Internally, we also try to pay attention to our staff. Last year, everyone got a box of heart-shaped chocolates. 😊

FAQ

What is Miss Alstroemeria, and how does it relate to Tesselaar Alstroemeria?

Miss Alstroemeria is the new brand name that Tesselaar Alstroemeria is continuing under from January 2026. The idea is to sharpen the profile with a clearer focus on quality and sustainability, while keeping the same family-business roots behind the product.

And, for a much longer period, Karolien Tesselaar has been nicknamed 'Miss Alstroemeria'. So often that she decided to adopt it as a brand name.

Why is Alstroemeria often positioned as a more sustainable cut flower?

Miss Alstroemeria frames alstros as having a lower environmental impact partly because it is a perennial crop that keeps producing for years, can be grown under LED lighting, and can rely heavily on (almost) fully organic pest and disease control, with plant waste kept in the greenhouse as fertilizer. They also highlight that it is a strong, long-lasting flower that opens on the shop floor, which can help reduce waste in retail.

Which certifications and standards might you see when buying Tesselaar-grown Alstroemeria?

In trade listings for Tesselaar Alstroemeria, you can commonly see combinations like MPS (for example, MPS-A), MPS-GAP, MPS-SQ, GlobalG.A.P., and GRASP, plus references to being FSI compliant. FSI itself is a sector initiative, and MPS explains how participation in standards like MPS-ABC and MPS-GAP can help meet FSI requirements.

What can florists do in-store to keep Alstroemeria sustainable in practice?

Tesselaar’s handling tips are straightforward: prefer transport and storage on water (rather than dry), aim for cool handling with an optimal storage and transport temperature around 2°C, and in the vase use a clean vase, fresh water, and cut flower food, topped up regularly so even smaller buds open. Also, buy stems where the buds already show a little color instead of pushing very tight, unripe stems.

Why is Alstroemeria a good option for Valentine's Day bouquets?

Alstroemeria works really well in Valentine’s Day bouquets because it checks a lot of practical boxes while still looking romantic.

First of all, it is a very sustainable flower. See FAQ 2.
Long vase life: It’s known for lasting a long time, often 10–14 days with basic care, so the bouquet doesn’t feel like a ‘two-day’ gift.
Looks full without being bulky: Each stem carries multiple blooms, so you get volume and detail without needing a huge stem count.
Color range that fits Valentine’s Day: Plenty of reds, pinks, purples, and soft pastels, plus bicolors that add depth next to classic red roses.
Budget-friendly impact: It adds fullness and a premium look while keeping costs more manageable than using only focal flowers.
Strong, reliable stems: Alstroemeria handles transport and busy retail days well, and it holds up in mixed bouquets.
Plays nicely with roses: It supports the rose as the main message but makes the design feel more layered and contemporary.
Generally easy for recipients: Low scent and typically less messy than heavy pollen flowers, plus it keeps opening gradually, so the bouquet looks good over time.

Quick florist note: strip foliage below the waterline, use clean water and flower food, and recut stems. Alstroemeria rewards simple handling with a long, steady show.