Flower Delivery to Turkey & Import Guide: The 2026 Insider’s Handbook

Flowers are more than just a gift; they are a universal currency. But when you try to spend that currency across borderssay, from London or Berlin to Istanbulyou often hit a wall of logistical friction. Or perhaps you are on the other side of the equation: an entrepreneur eyeing the massive potential of the Turkish flower industry, which recorded exports exceeding $141 million in 2024.

This guide serves two distinct masters. For individuals, we curate the most reliable flower delivery services in Turkey (so your Valentine’s Day gesture doesn’t arrive wilted). For business professionals, we switch lenses to the Practitioner’s view, breaking down how to leverage Turkey’s floral powerfrom the winter carnations of Antalya to the rose fields of Ispartafor your own import business.

Sending Flowers to Turkey: The Curator’s Comparison

The Turkish e-commerce market for flowers is surprisingly sophisticated. My advice? Skip the international wire services. They often charge a “gringo tax” and simply outsource the order to local florists anyway. Go direct to the Turkish market leaders for better prices, fresher stems, and English friendly interfaces.

1. The Jack of-All Trades: ÇiçekSepeti

The Verdict: Think of this as the “Amazon of Flowers” in Turkey. Choose this service if you need reliability in remote areas or same day delivery.

ÇiçekSepeti (literally “Flower Basket”) is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Their massive advantage is logistics: they have a network of local florists that allows for delivery within hours to almost every corner of the country, not just the big cities.

Curator’s Tip: ÇiçekSepeti has evolved into a full blown marketplace. You can now order almost anything there, from electronics to edible gifts (“BonnyFood”). If you are planning a surprise for a special occasion, like Getting Married in Turkey or an anniversary, you can easily bundle a plush toy or chocolates with your bouquet.

2. The Premium Choice: Taze Çiçek

The Verdict: For the aesthetes who prioritize design over speed.

While ÇiçekSepeti plays the volume game, Taze Çiçek (literally “Fresh Flower”) positions itself as the upscale alternative. Originally limited to Istanbul, they now deliver to all 81 provinces. The difference is in the artistry. Their arrangements don’t look like supermarket grabs; they look like they were styled by a professional florist. Many of their designers reportedly train at prestigious institutions like the Judith Blacklock Flower School in London.

If you are sending a corporate gift or an apology where the “wow factor” is non negotiable, the slight price premium here is insurance against mediocrity.

3. The Trendsetter: Bloom and Fresh

The Verdict: Perfect for the Instagram generation and fans of luxury box arrangements.

Bloom and Fresh disrupted the market with minimalist, chic packaging. They specialize in “hat box” flowers, high-end succulents, and gourmet gift crates (think macarons and designer chocolate). This is the service you use if the recipient is likely to post the gift on their Instagram Story.

Inflation Hack: Ignore the old advice about cheap flowers. With inflation, prices now range from 700 TL to over 7,000 TL. However, Bloom and Fresh often runs aggressive new customer campaigns (sometimes offering 100+ TL off) and partners with mobile carriers like Turkcell for deals. Always check delivery availability for your specific zip code, as their most delicate arrangements can’t survive a cross country trip in a cargo truck.

Business Guide: Importing Flowers from Turkey

Let’s switch gears. You don’t want to send a bouquet; you want to import thousands of stems. Turkey is a horticultural powerhouse, particularly for cut flowers like carnations. But sourcing here requires “street smarts.”

The Production Hubs: Know Your Geography

It’s not enough to say “I’m sourcing from Turkey.” You need to know exactly where to go:

• Antalya: The heart of the cut flower industry. This region produces the vast majority of export grade carnations (Dianthus) and Gerbera daisies. Thanks to its mild climate, Antalya is the go-to source for winter production when northern Europe is frozen.
• Isparta: Known as Turkey’s “Rose Garden.” Isparta produces roughly 65% of the world’s rose oil. If your business leans towards cosmetics, perfumes, or essential oils, this is your pilgrimage site. In summer, the region also explodes with lavender fields.

3 Ways to Import (The Practitioner’s View)

1. Boots on the Ground (Highly Recommended):
Travel to Antalya or Isparta. In Turkish business culture, tea comes before contracts. Nothing replaces inspecting the greenhouse quality personally and negotiating prices face-to-face. Before you go, read our guide on Starting a Company in Turkey to understand the legal lay of the land.

2. Online Wholesale:
B2B platforms are improving, but tread carefully. Verify if the seller is an actual producer or just a middleman adding a markup. Always demand physical samples before committing to a container load.

3. Full Service Logistics Partners:
For beginners, this is the safest route. Specialized logistics firms handle the cold chain transport (usually via truck, reaching Central Europe in just 3-4 days) and the nightmare of customs clearance. Remember: Importing plants into the EU requires strict phytosanitary certificates.

Opening a Flower Shop in Turkey: The Reality Check

Dreaming of opening a boutique florist in Istanbul or a seaside shop in Bodrum? It sounds romantic, but it’s a combat sport. Here are the unvarnished facts for aspiring founders.

Location is Everything (and It’s Expensive)

In cities like Istanbul, you are fighting against fierce competition and sky high commercial rents. A shop on a busy main street (Caddesi) is gold, but it burns cash. A smart strategy is to locate near private hospitals (for visitation gifts) or large business plazas. For a deep dive into real estate costs, check our analysis on Renting in Istanbul.

Sourcing: The Secret of the “Mezat”

Where do the pros get their flowers? Not at the supermarket. They go to the Mezat—the flower auctions. Similar to the Dutch model, flowers in Turkey are sold via auction to registered buyers. As a shop owner, you must either have a license to bid at these auctions or maintain a tight relationship with a wholesaler who does.

The Survival Kit

• Industrial AC: Turkish summers are brutal. A standard air conditioner won’t cut it. You need 24/7 climate control, or your inventory will be compost by noon.
• Visual Dominance: Turkish consumers love abundance. A sparse, minimalist shop often reads as “low stock” here. You need a large glass frontage and overflowing displays.
• Digital or Die: The Turkish market is hyper digital. An Instagram account is arguably more important than your physical signage. Budget for social media marketing from day one.

Whether you are sending a single rose to a loved one or sourcing a million carnations for export, the Turkish flower industry is vibrant and full of opportunity. The key is to bypass the middlemen and understand the local dynamics.