PITTSBURG, Kan. — Valentine’s Day is the number one holiday for buying flowers, but do you ever wonder where they come from in the middle of February?
While many varieties of roses, chrysanthemums and carnations are grown in the United States, domestic growers cannot keep up with demand, according to Utah State University Extension. More than 80% of all cut flowers sold in the United States are imported from areas like Columbia, Ecuador, Kenya and Holland due to favorable climate for year-round flower cultivating.
According to the Society of American Florists, more than 250 million roses are grown specifically for Valentine’s Day.
Local florist Kim Clark, owner of Little Shop of Flowers, 801 N. Broadway in Pittsburg, purchases her flowers from Ecuador, and said that her Valentine’s Day order for fresh flowers must be placed by Thanksgiving.
Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, this year, Clark will receive flowers every day leading up to the holiday, although the inclement weather predicted for today could cause problems for flower shipments. Luckily, she chose to have an extra abundance delivered on Tuesday.
When Valentine’s Day occurs later in the week, Clark said a lot of people will have flowers sent to people earlier in the week so they can enjoy them in the days leading up to the actual holiday.
Clark said that while many people order arrangements with a variety of flowers, one type is still the classic favorite for Valentine’s Day.
“Red roses still reign for this holiday,” Clark said.
Each year, Clark recruits extra helpers for Valentine’s Day that include her mother, mother-in-law, daughter, and friend to assist with extra work. She usually has 10 extra workers in the week leading up to the holiday.
“We have a core group of people that from the get-go, so the last 13 years, who have come in during these rushes and just start diving in,” she said. “We’re a small staff -- we’re three people -- so for Valentine’s Day, it takes a lot. And we’re very grateful for the help.”
Clark said they usually start with preparing vases first, and that it’s a delicate balance because they can’t mass produce the arrangements ahead of time.
The Little Shop of Flowers is still taking orders, but delivery times are filling up fast, Clark said. Thursday at noon is the cutoff time for delivery, but several floral options will be available for walk-in customers on Thursday and Friday. Clark said she is appreciative that the Pittsburg Noon Rotary members will deliver flowers for her on Friday.
To help keep flowers looking perky and fresh, Clark recommends keeping them away from heat such as an air vent or appliance. Cut flowers like being in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Water can be added to a vase straight from the tap.
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews
