It is said that traders start unloading their flower stalls at 2.30am, and by 10am they have started to pack up and have their lunch.

So getting early to the market to get your hands on the best flowers is key.

Discover the breath-taking array of Colombian flowers at Paloquemao flower market in Bogota, Colombia. Learn how I choose the flowers to create my paintings in the ‘From Colombia, with love’ oil painting collection.

Spread across a section of the car park of Paloquemao market, is the flower market. A seven day a week event, which is the main purchasing centre for those in the trade; from vendors, to florists, flower creators, and the general public wanting to adorn their home with Colombia’s finest. It really is a showcase of what Colombia can grow; to the warm climate of Antioquia where the calla lilies are grown, to the cool climate of the Savannah, where cold loving flowers thrive, like roses and ranunculus.

Selecting flowers in the market

Freny Green Artist | Travel | Blog | Colombia | Bogota | Paloquemao | Flower market

The variety, quality and prices at the market can only be found there, making it worth the trip downtown, past the edgy side of Bogota. Bundles of world quality roses, in a mesmerising array of colours. Carnations (a previously dismissed flower in my mind), spraying into every possible colour imaginable like a Willy Wonka rainbow factory. You get more unusual flowers for Colombia here too – like a favourite ranunculus, which are also grown in Colombia, but not readily available from your average flower seller.

Choosing the flowers

To make the pieces for the collection, From Colombia, with love, I would travel to the market in the early hours of the morning to pick the freshest flowers that were most attractive to me.

I chose flowers based on either their unusual colour, variety, origins, or something that I simply loved.

With prices from as little as $5 mil pesos (£1 at the time of writing this) for world-class roses and from $10 mil pesos for ranunculus (£2), it is impossible to walk away from the market empty handed.

Coming at dawn to the market, to select the flowers for painting the From Colombia, with love collection, has been an experience I will dream about and miss. I am so glad that I got to record for life these incredible florals.

Freny Green | Paloquemao | Bogota | Colombia | Flower markets | Travel

Did you know?

Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world
74% of the flowers exported are to the USA
Due to the varied climate and no seasons, it is possible to grow flowers in all climate conditions 365 days a year

How to prepare for the market?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing, possibly a waterproof jacket, (chances of rain in Bogota are high). Take a small bag with pockets, for loose cash to pay (vendors only accept cash).

At the time of writing, there is a cash machine on site (Davidenda), which is free for international cash withdrawls. Be prepared for long queues at the weekend.

Paloquemao is generally safe and staffed by officials and security. However, pick pocketing (especially to foreigners), is a risk, and as always, keep your valuables safe and guarded at all times.