Buying flowers in bulk for garden beds is a popular and efficient way to achieve a high-impact landscape design. The standard unit for purchasing these high-density plants, often annuals or “bedding plants,” is known as a flat. This bulk packaging allows gardeners to acquire dozens of small plants simultaneously, making it cost-effective for covering large areas with color. While the concept of a flat is consistent, the actual price you pay for one can vary significantly based on the specific contents and the market conditions at the time of purchase.
What Exactly is a Flat of Flowers and the Baseline Cost
A flat is essentially a shallow plastic tray designed for the mass transport and display of young plants. The term does not refer to a fixed number of plants; instead, the count depends on the size of the individual container cells the plants are grown in. Common configurations range from 32 to 48 separate cells, often seen in varieties like petunias, marigolds, or impatiens. Smaller-celled flats for plants like pansies can contain 64 or even 72 plants.
For the most common annuals, such as basic marigolds or wax begonias, the baseline price for a full flat typically falls into a range of $15 to $25 at standard retail outlets. This pricing reflects the high volume and relatively low production cost of these traditional, open-pollinated varieties. This unit price provides a substantial discount compared to buying the same number of plants individually in four-inch pots, which can cost three to five times more per plant.
Plant Characteristics That Affect Pricing
The genetics and cultivation requirements of the plant itself are the primary factors that push the price of a flat above the baseline. Perennials, which are expected to live for multiple growing seasons, are generally sold in larger pots and are not typically packaged in the high-density cells of a flat, making their cost per plant substantially higher. Annuals, however, often include specialized hybrids that require specific breeding or patent licensing, which increases their retail price.
Newer, proprietary varieties like the popular ‘Wave’ petunias or certain high-performing calibrachoa are more expensive because the grower must pay a royalty fee to the plant breeder. These specialty cultivars often boast improved characteristics, such as enhanced disease resistance, unique flower colors, or a longer bloom time, justifying the premium price. Another element is the size and maturity of the plant within the flat. Flats containing tiny seedlings, known as plugs, are significantly less expensive than flats of fully established, hardened-off plants that are already displaying blooms.
How Retailer Type and Purchase Timing Influence the Price
The source of the flat is a major determinant of the final price paid by the consumer. Large big-box retailers can leverage massive volume purchasing from commercial growers, which allows them to offer common annuals at a lower base price. This efficiency, however, often means they carry a more limited selection of the most popular and mass-produced varieties.
Conversely, local, independent nurseries typically have higher operating costs and purchase in smaller quantities, resulting in a higher price for a comparable flat. This increased price reflects the value of specialized inventory, such as rare cultivars or regionally specific plants, and the benefit of expert horticultural advice from knowledgeable staff.
Purchase Timing
Timing the purchase also yields savings, as prices are highest during the peak spring planting season, often around Mother’s Day. Savvy buyers can secure the lowest prices by taking advantage of end-of-season clearance sales, where retailers discount remaining flats to avoid maintaining inventory.