The San Francisco Flower Market has officially relocated to its new, permanent home in Potrero Hill as of early 2025.
This nonprofit supporting Northern Californian floral agriculture dates back to the late 1880s, and was originally founded in 1912 as the “California Flower Market” by 54 Japanese-American growers. By 1924, the market had expanded to include Italian and Chinese growers at 5th Howard Street. Then, the market faced hardships when many Japanese-American growers were forced to move to internment camps, losing their land and business. The relocation of the market from its original location on 6th and Brennan was out of necessity, as the old site was sold for tech-focused redevelopment. Despite the change, the new facility is a sleek-looking warehouse, housing around 22-30 vendors, and featuring climate-controlled refrigeration.
Frankie Cherniss, an SHC junior who visited the market, told us, “The market was a great experience! It feels really family oriented.” Frankie, who also frequents San Francisco’s weekly farmer’s markets, reviewed the cost in comparison, admitting, “The prices were so great. I feel like it’s hard to get organic produce in the city that’s not overpriced, but for the selection, the market’s [prices] were great”. Prices at the market are lower than typical retail in SF; for example, you can get, on average, 5 stems for $8, various bouquets for $10-$20, and orchids for $16-$20.
The Flower Market holds a special place in my heart. Every Wednesday, my mom and my grandma go to the flower market to buy flowers for the assembly of the two large arrangements seated on either side of the mizbeach at Temple Emmanuel. Temple Emmanuel is a place that has shaped my upbringing – High Holy days, Sunday school, my Bat Mitzvah – the temple saw it all. Growing up in a Catholic school, I have been in Christian and Jewish places of worship my whole life, and one of the things that differentiated Temple Emanuel from other sanctums is its decor. While many places of worship are orthodox and gothic, Temple Emanuel embraces color, the sanctuary encased in two walls of massive rainbow stained glass, with the two colorful botanical arrangements as the centerpieces. I always felt more at home in the saturated warmth of the Temple than I did in the more sterile churches: the visual vibrancy created a comforting ambiance that I did not find in the more barren churches, and the greenery was the main thing that added to this calming essence of reassurance.
Flowers are often considered a luxury – Valentines Day, Birthdays, Dates. But flowers can brighten up anyone’s day, whether that is changing someone’s mood or transforming a crowd into a congregation; everyone deserves some extra light in life.
The San Francisco Flower Market serves its community not through corporations, but as a gateway for making simple joys a little more accessible.With its locality and accessibility, this market represents a rare opportunity in the age of Amazon Prime delivery, while providing the community with fresh produce for a fraction of the price you can often find in supermarkets or floral shops. So brighten up your day–and your home–with a trip to the San Francisco Flower Market this spring season!
Location & Parking
- Address: 901 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (Corner of 16th & Mississippi Street).
- Parking Entrance: 80 Mississippi Street.
- Parking Cost: Approximately $1.50 per 15 minutes (max $30).
