2025 Courier Flower Packaging Guide | Freshness & Breakage Prevention

1. Must-Have Packaging Supplies (Don’t Skip These!)

Prepare your “flower protection kit” before delivery—missing one item could ruin the order!

  • Core Protection: Cardboard tubes (stem guard), double-walled corrugated boxes (5cm larger than the bouquet to avoid crushing), bubble wrap/foam pads (shock absorption)
  • Freshness: Wet cotton pads, plastic bags, mini ice packs (summer essential—never use large ice packs, they’ll freeze flowers)
  • Securing: Wide packing tape (narrow tape damages stems), cable ties, cardboard dividers (for multiple bouquets)
  • Emergency: Scissors, spray bottle (hydration for long trips), “This Side Up” / “Fragile” labels (couriers handle with care)💡 Pro Tip: A new courier once delivered roses without cardboard tubes—all stems broke, and he had to compensate the customer. Don’t cut corners on basic supplies!

2. Type-Specific Packing Hacks (One Size Doesn’t Fit All)

  1. Roses/Carnations (Thorny & Fragile Stems)
    • Wrap each flower head in soft paper, then cover with a clear plastic bag (prevents petal damage)
    • Insert stems into cardboard tubes, cut stems at 45° angle, wrap ends with wet cotton pads, and secure tubes with tape
    • Fill box with bubble wrap—ensure bouquet doesn’t shift (Key: Leave 2cm gap between flower heads and box top)
  2. Hydrangeas/Baby’s Breath (Delicate & Petal-Prone)
    • Wrap entire bouquet gently in bubble wrap, then place in a rigid box (hydrangeas are super crush-sensitive—always use a hard box)
    • Avoid squeezing! For baby’s breath, first wrap loosely in newspaper, then add bubble wrap
  3. Potted Plants (Soil Spillage Risk)
    • Seal soil surface with plastic wrap to prevent leakage during transit
    • Wrap pot with 3 layers of bubble wrap, then wedge foam pads around it in the box
    • Bare-root plants (e.g., succulents): Wrap roots in moist moss, then seal in a plastic bag (no water—roots will rot)
  4. Holiday Bouquets (With Decorations)
    • Secure chocolates/stuffed animals to the side of the bouquet with tape—never press against flower heads
    • Avoid red/black tape (customs may flag for inspection)—use clear or brown tape instead

3. Freshness & Breakage Prevention Tips

  1. Short-Distance Delivery (Within 2 Hours)
    • Cut stems at 45° and wrap with wet cotton pads—no ice packs (low temperatures damage flowers)
  2. Long-Distance/Same-Day Delivery
    • Wrap mini ice packs in a towel and place at the bottom of the bouquet (never touch stems directly)
    • Poke 2-3 air holes in the box to prevent mold from humidity
    • Prioritize cold chain delivery—keep temperature between 5-15℃ (tropical flowers like orchids need ≥10℃)
  3. Emergency Fix
    • If flowers look wilted when picking up, lightly spray petal edges with a spray bottle—never soak the flower heads!

4. Compliance & Avoiding Penalties

⚠️ Shipping Restrictions to Note:

  • Forbidden items: Aerosol confetti flowers, decorative flowers with metal glitter/powder (customs may seize the package)
  • Cross-Border Delivery (e.g., SZ-HK): Declare as “Celebration Decorations (Paper)” instead of “Confetti Cannons”—include HS Code 95059090
  • Ensure packaging is intact—potted plants with soil must be sealed to prevent spillage (rejected by couriers if leaking)

5. Scenario-Based Packaging Guides

  1. Holiday Rush (Valentine’s Day/Mother’s Day)
    • Reinforce with “cardboard tube + double box”—attach “Express Delivery” labels, choose same-day 2-hour delivery routes
  2. Long-Distance Flower Delivery
    • Double-wrap flower heads in plastic bags, place 2 wet cotton pads at the bottom, fill box with newspaper (absorbs moisture and prevents shifting)
  3. Business Flower Baskets
    • Disassemble flowers and baskets, pack separately, then reassemble upon delivery (avoids deformation from full-basket transport)

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