Valentine’s Day bouquets could cost a few bucks more this year in some parts of the nation thanks to a recent deep freeze in California that wilted millions of flowers.

But little impact is being felt here in the Valley as florists fill and deliver thousands of orders this week in anticipation of the year’s biggest day for fresh-flower sales.

In case you forgot, Valentine’s Day is Wednesday.

Although roses were not affected by the cold snap, field flowers such as heather, snapdragon, tulip, iris, larkspur and stock were, causing shortages and jacking up prices in parts of the United States.

Still, Jennifer Sparks, spokeswoman for the Society of American Florists, said the freeze primarily hit the citrus growers and should not have a significant impact on the supply or the price of flowers for Valentine’s Day.

Florists can turn to suppliers around the world if problems arise in isolated markets.

In the Valley, the price for a dozen red roses can range from about $20 to more than $100.

Cactus Flower Florists is selling a dozen giant roses for $500. The roses are 5 feet tall and should last two to three weeks.

“There have been shortages of some product. You will see potentially some of it not being available in certain parts of the country. California did get hit pretty hard, but only certain parts of California,” said Ken Young, owner of Phoenix Flower Shops.

Young and Eric Luoma, president of Cactus Flower, said this year’s arrangements cost about the same as in 2006.

Phoenix Flower Shops and Cactus Flower each plans to sell nearly 100,000 roses this Valentine’s Day.

More fresh flowers are sold on Valentine’s Day than any other day of the year, representing 35 percent of all holiday transactions and 34 percent of holiday revenues, according to the Society of American Florists.

When sales of fresh flowers and plants are combined, Valentine’s Day ranks third behind Christmas/Hanukkah and Mother’s Day in transactions and revenues, according to the national trade association, which represents 12,000 growers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of flowers and plants.

In 2006, 189 million roses were produced just for Valentine’s Day.

Of the fresh flowers purchased for the holiday, 56 percent are roses, 23 percent mixed flowers, 10 percent carnations, and 11 percent other single flower types, according to the Society of American Florists.

Of roses purchased, 64 percent are red, 11 percent pink, 10 percent mixed colors, 5 percent peach/salmon, 4 percent yellow, 3 percent white and 3 percent other colors.

Reach the reporter at diana.balazs@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-6877.

source : www.azcentral.com