The Secret Behind Valentine’s Flowers: Not All Roses Are the Same!

Today, while putting this email together, I thought about Valentine’s Day coming up. It was fun at Behnke’s when Evelyn, our Florist Shop manager, would have all the roses and carnations arrive so everyone could start putting bouquets together. She would set up what was an assembly line and show us what we needed to do. We also had to put together boxes with a dozen roses, some with six, and even single-stem roses. Of course, we sold mostly red roses, but we still had yellow, pink, and other colors. We also made bunches of fragrant carnations, which I love the most.

Walking into a grocery store before Valentine’s Day, you’ll see buckets of roses and other flowers ready for last-minute shoppers. But have you ever wondered why a florist’s bouquet often looks fuller, lasts longer, and feels more luxurious? It all comes down to how flowers are graded and sold.

How Cut Flowers Are Graded

Wholesale flower growers sort their flowers into different grades based on several factors:

• Stem Length: Longer stems often indicate a more mature, high-quality bloom. Florists typically get the longest, while grocery store flowers are shorter.
• Bud Size & Fullness: Higher-grade flowers have larger, well-formed buds that open beautifully. Lower grades might have smaller, less developed blooms.
• Freshness & Handling: Florist-quality flowers are often shipped quickly and handled with more care, while mass-market flowers may take longer to reach store shelves.
• Variety & Fragrance: Some flowers grown for grocery stores are bred for durability over scent, while florists often get premium, fragrant varieties.

Why This Matters for Valentine’s Day

If you’re looking for the longest-lasting, most beautiful bouquet, it’s worth considering where you buy your flowers. Grocery store blooms are convenient, but a florist’s arrangement typically has higher-quality stems, better longevity, and a more impressive presentation.

Looking for a Longer-Lasting Valentine’s Gift?

Instead of cut flowers, consider gifting a blooming houseplant! Most garden centers offer a fantastic selection of orchids, African violets, and even miniature roses. These plants bring color and beauty long after Valentine’s Day and can be a more meaningful, lasting way to say “I love you.