It's estimated 190 million roses will be sold this Valentine's Day. So if you haven't ordered flowers yet, here are some tips to find a truly local florist and ways to get your flowers to last longer.
Some companies are buying up local phone numbers to make it appear as though they are local.
So if you don't have a local florist you know, when you call a florist ask these questions:
- Where are you located?
- Can you give me your exact address?
- Can you give me directions to your shop?
If the florist can't answer these questions, chances are they may not be local. Then check some of the sites below.
The Federal Trade Commission has published some helpful tips when ordering flowers.
Helpful websites:
Society of American Florists —locate a local florist.
Texas State Florists’ Association also has a list of members.
The Society of American Florists says most flower arrangements will last between 4 and 7 days. But there are things you can do to help lengthen the life of your flowers:
- Trim stems while running them under water.
- Remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Leaves that sit in water can speed up bacteria growth.
- Keep the water fresh. If it begins to look cloudy, it's time to change the water. It's best to use room temperature water.
- Keep the vase in a cool spot—65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Don't store then near vents, fans or direct sunlight.
