How to Make a Trader Joe’s Flower Bouquet Look Like a Million Bucks

Of all the things we love about Trader Joe’s, their flower selection is at the top of the list. Fresh flowers can make a room look more luxurious, feel more cheerful, and smell like summer. One problem: The cost can be too high for most people. Since most floral arrangements are pricey and don’t last more than a week, beginner-friendly houseplants usually win out. 

But houseplants often lack the color and vibrancy of a bouquet, and you’ll be lucky if it blooms indoors. Also, floral arranging is a hobby that’s fun and creative! We spoke with a Trader Joe’s rep and a content creator who loves TJ’s blooms as much as we do to learn how to make a budget-friendly Trader Joe’s floral arrangement that looks as good as the ones you see on your social feed. 

Easy Steps to Arrange Trader Joe’s Flowers Like a Florist

Making a floral arrangement is a mix of skill, having an artistic eye, and trial and error. Don't be too hard on yourself as you experiment with different looks. These steps will help you create an arrangement similar to the one in this reel from Yoshimi Abreu of Home With Yoshi. However, you could opt for something more minimal or more extravagant by adding or subtracting blooms.

Step 1: Pick Up Some Seasonal Blooms

Abreu has created some beautiful floral arrangements in every season. According to the content creator, the key is to pick two or three blooms that vary in color and size, regardless of the time of year. Luckily, there will be enough variety that finding differing blooms is always an option.

“My favorite flowers from Trader Joe’s to mix in arrangements vary by season,” says Abreu. “For early summer, I find myself keeping it simple with peonies and eucalyptus. In late June, once the availability for peonies is less, I like mixing white mums with colorful Gerbera daisies, and of course, greenery is always a must!”

After you select your base flowers, pick up at least one greenery, like eucalyptus, baby breath, or aster. In the above floral arrangement that cost $17.96, Abreu mixed: 

• White mums: $4.99
• Peach gerberas: $4.99
• Aster bunch: $3.99
• Eucalyptus: $3.99

Step 2: Cut Stems at Varying Lengths

Once you have a vessel to work with, here's what you should do:

1. Lay out your blooms and remove any leaves below the water line.
2. Place the uncut stems in the vase to see how much you need to trim off. It’s best to cut a little at first because you can always go shorter but can’t add length back.
3. Start placing your main blooms around the perimeter of the vase then add longer stems in the middle. (Don’t add greenery until all your main blooms are positioned.)

Step 3: Add Greenery and Neutrals

Abreu emphasizes how important it is to add some type of greenery to your floral arrangement. This step is what will turn an ordinary bouquet into an expensive-looking centerpiece. In this example, once the mums and gerberas were in position, ester and eucalyptus worked as filler, adding much-needed volume.

While some florists prefer to add blooms first and then greenery, you could reverse these two steps and add your greenery to the vase before adding the blooms. Adding the greenery first can help the blooms stay in place without using a floral grid or floral tape.  

How Expensive Are Trader Joe’s Flowers?

Prices on Trader Joe's flowers will vary depending on the bloom and season, but you usually won’t spend more than $20 for a bouquet. “Single varieties and bouquets typically range from $2.99 to $12.99. Plants typically range from $2.99 to $19.99,” says Trader Joe’s rep Nakia Rohdeia.

You can find fresh Trader Joe’s flowers every day of the week, but the key is to get to the store when it first opens to take advantage of the selection. “One of the great things about Trader Joe’s Plants & Flowers is the freshness—most stores receive fresh flowers daily!” Rohdeia adds. 

“There will be a selection of everyday classics like roses, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, seasonal bouquets, orchids, indoor and outdoor plants, and herbs, along with a selection of seasonal picks so that customers can also find something new.”