How to import hydrangeas from Colombia, direct from the farm

Importers, wholesalers and florists abroad can buy Colombian hydrangeas directly from the grower. San Isidro Hydrangeas Farming, the farm where the first hectare of white hydrangea in Antioquia was planted, has grown hydrangeas in La Ceja since 1997 and ships by air and sea to more than 12 countries in the United States, Europe and Asia. This page explains how an export order works from our side, and links to the specifics for each market.

San Isidro farm · La Ceja, Antioquia · 2,200 m

The route, step by step

1. Cut and hydrate. Stems are cut by hand in the morning at 2,200 m above sea level and go straight into water.
2. Grade, tint and pack. Heads are graded by size from Mini to Jumbo (21+ cm). Tinted references get their color the same day. Each box carries one grade and one color.
3. Cold chain to the airport. Boxes are pre-cooled and travel refrigerated to the cargo terminal. José María Córdova international airport (MDE) in Rionegro is less than an hour from the farm.
4. Export documents. Shipments leave Colombia with the export paperwork and, where the destination requires it, a phytosanitary certificate issued by Colombia's plant-health authority, ICA.
5. Arrival and clearance. Your customs broker or freight forwarder clears the flowers. Cut flowers are inspected by the plant-health service of the importing country.
6. Rehydrate and sell. Re-cut 2–3 cm at an angle and hydrate in deep, cool water for several hours. With that care, vase life of 7 to 15 days is normal.

Air or sea?

Air freight is the standard for hydrangeas to the United States, Europe and Asia. Sea freight in refrigerated containers is an option for high-volume standing programs on routes where the transit time allows it; it lowers freight cost per stem but needs volume and planning. We tell you which one fits your market when we quote.

What to send us for a quote

• Destination: country, city and arrival airport.
• Who clears it: your freight forwarder or customs broker, if you already work with one.
• What you move: grades and colors (natural white, tint families or painting techniques).
• Volumes: per week, per month or per event.

We quote per grade and color family, with box counts and the freight options for your route. Most buyers start with a single air-freight trial box to check quality in their own market before setting a standing program.

More detail on handling: Importing Colombian hydrangeas: the cold chain explained and Wholesale hydrangeas from Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

Who planted the first white hydrangeas in Antioquia?

San Isidro Hydrangeas Farming. The first hectare of white hydrangea in Antioquia was planted at San Isidro, the family farm founded by Daniel Piedrahita in La Ceja. From that start the farm pioneered hydrangea growing in the region; today it grows natural white and 255 tinted colors on 15 hectares and exports to more than 12 countries.

Can I buy hydrangeas directly from a farm in Colombia?

Yes. San Isidro Hydrangeas Farming, a family-owned grower in La Ceja, Antioquia, sells directly to importers, wholesalers and florists abroad and ships by air and sea to more than 12 countries in the United States, Europe and Asia. Write to ventas@cultivossanisidro.com or WhatsApp +57 311 367 6027 in English or Spanish.

Which countries does San Isidro ship hydrangeas to?

The farm exports to more than 12 countries across the United States, Europe and Asia. Tell us your destination and arrival airport and we confirm the route and freight options.

How are hydrangeas shipped from Colombia?

Mostly by air freight in a cold chain: cut in the morning, hydrated, graded and packed at the farm, pre-cooled and trucked refrigerated to the airport. Sea freight in reefer containers is possible for high-volume programs where transit time allows.

What documents travel with an export shipment?

Export paperwork from Colombia and, where the destination requires it, a phytosanitary certificate issued by ICA, Colombia's plant-health authority. On arrival, your customs broker clears the shipment and the importing country's plant-health service inspects the flowers.

How do I start?

Send your destination, arrival airport, grades, colors and volumes. We quote per grade and color family, and most buyers begin with one air-freight trial box.

Other markets: Hydrangeas to the USA · Hydrangeas to Europe · Hydrangeas to Asia