The short answer: choose red, gold, yellow or pink, send something in full, healthy bloom, and have it arrive before the family's celebrations begin. In 2027, Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, February 6. Orchids and bright mixed bouquets are safe and welcome choices. Here is how to pick something that suits the people you are sending to.
Who celebrates and how it differs
Lunar New Year is marked by many families across the GTA, including those with Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean roots, and customs differ between them. Many Chinese families call it Spring Festival, in Vietnam it is known as Tet, and in Korea it is Seollal. Because traditions vary, the ideas in this guide are general. If you know the family well, a quick question is always welcome, and people are usually glad you thought to ask.
In many homes, the days before the holiday are spent cleaning and getting ready for visitors. Fresh flowers and plants are often part of this, since they are seen as a sign of growth and good fortune for the year ahead. That makes flowers a natural gift, especially for a host.
Flowers that are often linked to the new year
- Orchids. Often connected with beauty, abundance and harmony in the family. An orchid also lasts for weeks, which suits a holiday with many visitors. See our orchids, such as the Tranquil Orchid Arrangement, and our guide on how to care for an orchid.
- Yellow chrysanthemums. Often linked to long life. Yellow also reads as gold, a lucky colour for many families.
- Roses in red or pink. Not a traditional flower for the season, but the colours are right, and they are easy to find. See our roses and pink flowers.
- Peonies, narcissus, pussy willow and plum blossom. These are the classic seasonal choices. To ask whether we can include any of these in your order, please call us at 905-677-9999.
Beyond the flower itself, a healthy plant or a bouquet with plenty of closed buds is a good sign, since it suggests something still to come. Plants from our potted plants and succulents collection can work well here.
Colours and numbers to keep in mind
Red and gold are the colours most people associate with the holiday, and they are thought to bring luck. Pink and orange are cheerful choices too.
- White on its own. Many families connect all-white flowers with funerals and mourning, so it is usually best to choose something with colour, or to mix white with red or gold.
- The number four. In Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, the word for four can sound like the word for death, so many people avoid giving four of anything. Bouquets usually have more than that, but keep it in mind if you are ordering a small number of stems.
- Even numbers. Pairs are widely seen as lucky in Chinese tradition, though not every family pays attention to this.
When to send them
Flowers usually do best when they arrive before the holiday, while the home is being prepared. For a family gathering, a day or two ahead gives your host time to find the right spot. For 2027, that means sending by Thursday, February 4 or Friday, February 5. Many families also visit relatives over the following days, so a gift that arrives a little later is still welcome.
The holiday falls in the coldest part of the GTA winter, so someone should be home to bring flowers indoors. Our guide on winter flower care explains what to do if they arrive on a very cold day. For delivery areas and days, see our delivery map and zones.
Gift baskets and treats
Sharing food is a central part of the holiday, and a basket of treats can be a kind gift for a family that hosts many visitors. Our gift baskets are made to order and need at least one day's notice. It is worth reading the list on the product page, since food rules and allergies vary. Our best sellers are a good place to look if you would rather send flowers.
What to write on the card
Every order includes a free handwritten card. A few simple wishes work well:
- Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing you health and happiness.
- Wishing you and your family a year of good fortune.
- Thinking of you at the start of a new year. Enjoy your time together.
- Thank you for having us. Wishing you a very happy new year.
If you know the family's language or tradition, a greeting such as "Gong Xi Fa Cai" in Mandarin, "Chuc Mung Nam Moi" in Vietnamese or "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" in Korean is a thoughtful touch. If you are not sure, a warm wish in English is just fine. For a January 1 gift, see our guide to New Year's flowers instead.
Sending flowers across the GTA
Every flower arrangement is hand-arranged in our Mississauga studio. We offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers across the GTA, and delivery is free on orders over $50. To talk through colours or a specific delivery time, call us at 905-677-9999.