Teachers' Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide
Before Teachers' Day (Chinese mainland), carnation, sunflower wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.
- Market
- Chinese mainland
- Flowers affected
- Carnation, Sunflower
- Typical price
- 1.2–1.5× normal wholesale
- Stock up
- 14 days ahead
Dates and order-by dates
| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026-09-10 | 2026-08-27 |
| 2027 | 2027-09-10 | 2027-08-27 |
| 2028 | 2028-09-10 | 2028-08-27 |
How people buy for it
10 September in mainland China. Students give single stems and small bouquets — carnations for gratitude, sunflowers for warmth — so demand is for many low-priced items rather than large pieces.
The flowers that surge
What the surge does to material cost
If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:
| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.5× |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | +8% | +20% |
| 60% | +12% | +30% |
| 80% | +16% | +40% |
Alternatives that are not priced up
Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:
| Instead of | Consider |
|---|---|
| Carnation | Orchids (cut), Heliconia, Rose, Chrysanthemum |
| Sunflower | Marigold, Gerbera daisy, Celosia, Calla lily |
What florists should know
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.
FAQ
When is Teachers' Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?
2026: 2026-09-10; 2027: 2027-09-10; 2028: 2028-09-10 (Chinese mainland).
Which flowers get more expensive before Teachers' Day, and by how much?
Carnation, Sunflower wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal.
How far ahead should florists stock up for Teachers' Day?
About 14 days ahead — around 2026-08-27 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.
What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Teachers' Day?
Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, rose, chrysanthemum; Instead of sunflower: marigold, gerbera daisy, celosia, calla lily.