Basket Selection and Conditioning: Building Your Container Inventory

Understanding Basket Materials

Woven baskets range from flimsy tourist-grade to professional-quality designs built to last years. Invest in good wicker that won't shred or lose colour after a few uses. Wicker sourced from India and Vietnam tends to be thicker and more durable than Chinese alternatives at the same price.

Plastic and ceramic baskets offer consistent sizing and easy cleaning. They work well for corporate orders where replacements happen regularly. Wood baskets add rustic charm but absorb water and require sealing for longevity.

Sizing Standards

Your inventory should include at least these standard sizes:

• Small: 4-6 inches wide, best for 3-5 stems
• Medium: 7-9 inches wide, handles 8-15 stems
• Large: 10-12 inches wide, works for 15+ stems
• Extra Large: 13+ inches, for grand arrangements

Having multiple sizes of the same style allows you to match arrangements to pricing tiers and customer budgets. A premium 12-inch design justifies higher pricing than the same arrangement in a 7-inch basket.

Conditioning and Storage

Before using any basket, line it with plastic or waterproof paper. Woven baskets absorb water; direct flower stems in wet foam will cause rot and odour within days. Store baskets in a dry location away from sunlight to prevent fading and material breakdown.

Deep clean your baskets monthly. Remove dried leaves, wipe away dust, and allow complete air-drying before storing. A well-maintained basket inventory lasts years and represents a significant asset.

Your containers are part of your brand identity—invest in quality pieces that customers request by name.

Conditioning a cane basket before its first use

A dry cane basket drinks whatever you line it with. Wipe it down, let it dry fully in shade, and only then fit the liner.

Pair them with the right brick — see Basics.