In 1892 a few Japanese began to cultivate flowers near Santa
Monica and south of Los Angeles.
In 1915 they started a flower market in downtown Los
Angeles, near to where the Flower District is today.
By 1924 they were in the current location of the Los Angeles Flower District in
the 700 block of Wall St.
and they were joined across the street by the "American" side. The
Japanese expanded their business from farming to shipping to retail sales.
What makes the Flower District so special?
The Flower District is the largest flower market in the United
States. It features virtually every type and
variety of cut flower, potted plant, and exotic flower that is commercially
available. The visitor is overwhelmed by the sweet smell and cacophony of color
that span two warehouses and 100 individual stalls. It even features a design
school and a French bakery and cafe. The Flower District brings together
growers, shippers, wholesalers, distributors, floral designers, and retail florists.
Best of all, it is open to the general public. The Flower District is part of
an ongoing project to preserve and revitalize historic Los
Angeles.
What are the hours, how is the parking, etc.?
The Los Angeles Flower District is in the middle of a large metropolis but
it is relatively easy to get to. If you want to dispense with parking
altogether, you can take the Metro Rail Red Line to Pershing square and walk to
the Flower District. It should be kept in mind that you will go through some of
Los Angeles' less savory areas. If
you are not so adventurous and want to drive, there are two parking lots above
the Flower District. The Flower District itself is quite safe.
The markets open at 2:00 A.M. but the
general public is not allowed in until 8:00 A.M.
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or 6:00 A.M.
on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The markets stay open until noon but they are usually empty by 10:00 A.M. It's best to get there as early as
you can.