This is an interesting Valentine's Day for the floral industry. On one hand, supplies are tight because of the freezes in California. Many field-grown crops were damaged and simply won't be salvageable in time. Greenhouse crops suffered too. Growers had to decide whether to turn up their heat, which would raise costs so much that they wouldn't make a profit on the flowers, or to leave the heat at some lower level during the freeze, knowing that cooler temperatures in the greenhouse would slow down the plants so much that they might not bloom in time for the big day. Harvesting a beautiful rose crop on February 15 won't do them much good. And even though the U.S. produces only about 12 percent of all flowers purchased in this country, it's an important 12 percent. Some florists really prefer California roses.
So ? supplies are tight. On the other hand, Valentine's Day falls on a Wednesday, and florists know that sales peak when the holiday happens later in the week. People are at work, they're reminded that the holiday is approaching, and it's easy to pick up the phone and order flowers. When the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, people make other plans and sales drop off. According to the calendar, this will be a busy day.
If you haven't ordered yet, make the call. And if you're looking for something different this year, try tulips or lilies. They're beautiful, they come in almost any color you can imagine, and they'll open gracefully all week long. She ? or he ? will love you for them.