The Flower Blog

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and we are diligently preparing our shop with exquisite arrangements and charming bouquets for you to select from! Among all the lovely flowers, the rose stands out as the top choice. Celebrated as the beloved flower of Venus, the goddess of Love, roses are in high demand worldwide. Yet, this surge in popularity prompts the question - why are roses so costly at this time of year? It's an intriguing question, and we have the answer ready for you!

Click the video to uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of product pricing and how it impacts both our business and our valued customers.

One of the primary reasons roses are so pricey around Valentine's Day is their lengthy growth cycle. It takes a full sixty days for a rose bush to yield a mature bloom. To satisfy the high demand for Valentine's Day, growers face a tough choice in December—they must reduce the production of their current rose crop by harvesting them prematurely. This means they have to forgo a potentially good crop to make space for the roses needed for Valentine's Day. It's a risky decision, especially given the unpredictable nature of adverse weather conditions.

Moreover, growers encounter challenges because roses are perishable and space is limited. They can't store roses for long as they would wilt and become unsellable. Additionally, the increased cost of heating during winter and reduced daylight hours also drive up the price of roses. Ultimately, the grower determines the price of roses, which is elevated due to the crop reduction in December. This extra cost is then passed along each level of the market—from the grower to the wholesaler, to the florist, and finally to the customer.

Another element affecting the price of roses is transportation. Many roses are brought in from places like Ecuador, Colombia, and even from within the United States, such as California. As the demand for roses rises, so does the requirement for cargo space. This results in more vehicles on the roads and in the skies to deliver these sought-after flowers. The costs keep piling up—from reducing crops to meet Valentine's Day demand, to increasing the number of vehicles, and spending more on fuel.

It's not just Valentine's Day that drives up the demand for roses early in the year. Events like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Tournament of Roses parade also require an enormous quantity of roses. The average float in the Rose Parade uses about 160,000 flowers, underscoring the widespread appeal of roses.

Now that you're aware of the reasons behind the steep price of roses, you might be questioning whether to purchase them this year. At Gillespie's, we recognize the cost concerns and provide a range of alternatives to roses. Stargazer lilies, gerbera daisies, carnations, alstroemeria lilies, hydrangeas—the choices are plentiful! Our design team has crafted beautiful bouquets for Valentine's Day that will delight your loved one, with or without roses. Click below to explore our Valentine's Day specials this year!

Avoid the hassle of traffic and last-minute shopping. This Valentine's Day, express your affection effortlessly with our convenient delivery service. We'll personally deliver a stunning bouquet (and perhaps a delightful treat!) right to your loved one's doorstep, sure to bring a smile.

Click here to discover our Valentine's Day delivery schedule! 

Flowers have long been a symbol of love and affection, making them a classic and timeless Valentine's Day gift. If you're looking to surprise your special someone, consider these creative and thoughtful ways to present flowers on Valentine's Day.

The Classic Bouquet Delivery💐:
Start with the timeless elegance of a classic bouquet delivery. Choose your loved one's favorite flowers or opt for an assortment of popular flowers like roses, lilies, and daisies. Have the flowers delivered to their workplace, home, or any location that will catch them by surprise, creating a moment of joy and admiration.

Floral Scavenger Hunt🔍:
If your Valentine is always seeking out adventure, turn the act of receiving flowers into a memorable experience by organizing a flower scavenger hunt. Leave clues leading them to different locations, where they will find a portion of the bouquet waiting for them. This not only adds an element of excitement but also builds anticipation as they discover each new bloom.

DIY Flower Arranging Date🌷🌼🌻:
Instead of presenting a pre-arranged bouquet, consider gifting a DIY flower arranging experience. Purchase an assortment of fresh loose flowers and spend quality time together arranging a beautiful bouquet. This personal touch adds a meaningful and creative element to the gift, and you get to enjoy the process together.

Flower Subscription📆:
Extend the joy of receiving flowers beyond Valentine's Day by gifting a floral subscription. Your loved one will receive fresh blooms regularly, keeping the romance alive throughout the year. This thoughtful and ongoing gesture ensures that they are reminded of your love long after the holiday has passed.

Flower Petal Pathway🌹👣:
Create a romantic pathway using flower petals leading to a surprise location. Whether it's a candlelit dinner, a cozy picnic, or a scenic view, the flower petal pathway adds a touch of enchantment to the celebration. It's a visual and aromatic feast that enhances the overall Valentine's Day experience.

This Valentine's Day, elevate the tradition of gifting flowers by adding a personal and creative touch. Whatever you choose, Gillespie Florists has the just what you need to make this Valentine's Day a blooming success.

Check out our Valentine's Day specials for more bouquet ideas.