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Gardening: Buying flowers or plants on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It along with Mother’s Day are the two busiest days for florists. As the cost of cut flowers fluctuates with the market demand, the cost of bouquets and cutflowers can double the week of Feb. 14. Florists cannot absorb the cost differences and the increase is passed on to the consumer.
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With an increase in demand, price of cut flowers goes up around Valentine’s Day. (File photo by BLACK PRESS news services) Flowers for You celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sept. 19, 2019. File photo

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It along with Mother’s Day are the two busiest days for florists. As the cost of cut flowers fluctuates with the market demand, the cost of bouquets and cutflowers can double the week of Feb. 14. Florists cannot absorb the cost differences and the increase is passed on to the consumer.

When purchasing flowers look for ones that are fresh. With roses, the calyx, which is the green part under the petals should be still supporting the petals. When the calyx starts to curl back, the flowers are ready to break apart.

All flower stems should be upright and firm as they hold the flowers in place.

It is important that the flowers have buds that will open and extend the life of the arrangement.

Leaves should be flexible and soft to the touch. Leaves should never be below the water line as they will rot causing bacteria to grow in the water shortening the life of the arrangement.

While buying cut flowers are a tradition on Valentine’s, many people chose to purchase their significant other a tropical plant last February.

The increasing demand for tropical plants has resulted in growers increasing the variety and quantity of their crop. New varieties are popping up in small and large stores.

More types of plant pots are becoming available making it easier to incorporate the plant into the decor.

The cost of plants can range from a few dollars to hundreds depending on the size and variety of plant and where it is purchased. The demand and availability of the plant can make a difference in the price but the size of the plant and pot are the determining factors in box stores.

Orchids that were once very expensive, hard to find and grow have become a common house plant thanks to the introduction of phalaenopsis selections or moth orchids. These orchids thrive in most homes while other varieties need specific habitats.

Phalaenopis are available in a couple of different sizes and the colourful flowers can last up to four months. Look for a plant with firm leaves that are not sagging.

Succulents come in all colours, shapes and sizes. One or two will fit into the smallest house. These plants are low maintenance so giving one as a present is a logical choice.

Anthuriums are easy to grow plants that are known to flower all year. These plants like a bright area and will withstand drought and neglect making them a perfect gift for those that love plants or struggle to keep them alive.

Other plants that top the popularity list at present time are monsteras, heart shaped philodendrons or maybe a heart shaped hoya.

In reality the best plant to give is one that will thrive in the environment available.

Cut flowers and tropical plants are both lovely gifts. Choose a gift that will excite the recipient.

Linda Tomlinson has gardened in Central Alberta for over 30 years. She can be reached at your_garden@hotmail.com.