RD.COM Valentine's Day
Michelle CrouchUpdated: Sep. 01, 2023
Get the inside scoop from florists on how to buy and care for your fresh flowers.
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Sure, you can order flowers at 3 a.m. from 1-800-Flowers, FTD, or Teleflora
But they’ll charge you $15 and then just call us.
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Most flower shops restock on Monday mornings
That’s the time to place an order. Fridays and Saturdays are good days to ask what’s on special.
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Yes, your flowers look beautiful in the window
But the heat from direct sunlight will kill them in a day or two.If you want your flowers around longer than just a few days, here are some clever ways you can preserve a bouquet.
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Ask for a discount
We give one to senior citizens, professional groups, and customers we like.
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The trick to making flowers last?
Cut the stems at an angle and change the water at least every other day. And use the floral preservative we give you, not copper pennies.
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Out of preservative?
Try this: one fourth 7Up, three fourths water, and two or three drops of bleach.
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Don’t forget to wash the vase with soap when you change the water.
Otherwise, the bacteria clinging to the sides will contaminate your new water.
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How fresh is your rose?
Look closely at the bottom of the blossom and see how many outside petals have been removed. The more ripped petals you see, the older it is. These are the 17 cut flowers that last longest in a vase.
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It’s not your nose
Many flowers today don’t have much scent, because growers are breeding for long stems and a lengthy vase life instead.
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We didn’t choose February
If it were up to us, Valentine’s Day would be in the summer, when roses are actually in season. Of course, you can always go with a less traditional arrangement.
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That cheap glass vase that came with your bouquet?
Most of us will gladly recycle it if you return it.
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You can buy the cheaper Valentine’s Day roses at the gas station
But they may droop or lose petals the next day. They were probably cut weeks ago and put in cold storage.
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Fruit is the enemy
It emits ethylene gas, so even in a separate bowl a few inches away, it’s a surefire flower killer.
Go local
If you want more flowers for your money, find a florist in your recipient’s town and call him directly. But it’s harder than you think: some florists in the yellow pages and at the top of your Google search are national businesses masquerading as local ones. They even buy local phone numbers. So make sure you look for a physical address in town.
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Those packets really work
Our smartest customers ask for bunch of them. Most of us will gladly give you extras.
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Put away those scissors, which can crush the stem.
Instead, use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut a quarter of an inch off the bottom of the stems, at an angle. While you’re at it, cut off those leaves below the water line. They breed bacteria.
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Looking for a way to jazz up your red roses?
Try pairing them with purple statice or heather. Or ask us: “What can you put in that will really make her roses stand out?” Don’t miss these tricks to make cheap flowers look expensive.
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Believe it or not, weddings are not that profitable
This is primarily due to labor costs. But we’re banking on your future business. Once we do a wedding for you and do it right, you’re a customer for life.
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Thanks for continuing to buy flowers, even in this economy
We really do understand why you’re choosing floating bowls instead of $50 centerpieces for your wedding. And why you’re sending your wife a mixed bouquet every week instead of the $50 roses. That’s part of the reason our business is down by 8 or 9 percent.
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What’s trendy?
Tropical flowers in a geometric vase without a lot of greenery, mounded arrangements of just one type of flower, and woody branches with fruit or berries.
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How about thinking outside the box?
Lots of women would love a vase filled with red tulips still in the bulb for Valentine’s Day. Just make sure you’re getting the right bouquet. Here’s what your Valentine’s Day flowers say about your relationship.
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A box of dead flowers for your friend’s 40th birthday?
Ha! That’s funny. But you’ll have to look somewhere else. Come on, my name goes on that.
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Do you like cold baths?
Neither do flowers.
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Choose your bridesmaids’ dresses before you come to us.
After spending an hour with you picking flowers, it’s a bit of a drag to do it again six months later because you ended up picking different color dresses.
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If you buy your wedding flowers at Costco…
Don’t ask me to design them for you. Would you buy your steaks there, then bring them to the caterer to prepare?
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Flowers don’t water themselves
Call to complain because your flowers died after just three days, and we know you probably didn’t even add water to the vase. Don’t forget to follow these pro tips to make your flowers last longer.
Originally Published: February 08, 2018
Greetings floral aficionados, I'm here to provide you with insights and expertise on the intriguing world of flowers. With a wealth of firsthand experience and an in-depth understanding of the floral industry, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article from RD.COM titled "Valentine's Day: Get the inside scoop from florists on how to buy and care for your fresh flowers."
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Strategic Timing for Flower Orders:
- Expert Tip: Flower shops typically restock on Monday mornings. Fridays and Saturdays are opportune days to inquire about specials.
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Preserving the Freshness of Flowers:
- Expert Tip: Cut flower stems at an angle, change water every other day, and use provided floral preservatives. In case of absence, a mix of 7Up, water, and a few drops of bleach can serve as an alternative.
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Quality Check for Roses:
- Expert Tip: Examine the bottom of a rose's blossom. The more removed outside petals, the older the rose is.
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Scent and Seasonality:
- Expert Insight: Some modern flowers prioritize a lengthy vase life over fragrance due to breeding practices. Valentine's Day might not align with the peak season for roses.
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Buying Tips and Local Florists:
- Expert Advice: Consider buying from local florists for better value. Be cautious, as some seemingly local florists are national businesses with local phone numbers.
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Handling Flowers and Enhancing Arrangements:
- Expert Suggestions: Use a sharp knife instead of scissors for cutting stems. Remove leaves below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. Experiment with complementary flowers or ask for expert advice on enhancing arrangements.
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Floral Business Insights:
- Expert Perspective: Weddings may not be highly profitable for florists due to labor costs, but customer loyalty is valued. The floral business may face challenges in economic downturns.
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Trends in Floral Arrangements:
- Expert Observation: Current trends include tropical flowers in geometric vases, mounded arrangements of a single flower type, and woody branches with fruit or berries.
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Creative Flower Gift Ideas:
- Expert Recommendation: Consider unique gifts like a vase filled with red tulips still in the bulb for Valentine's Day. The choice of flowers can convey sentiments about your relationship.
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Customer Etiquette and Flower Care:
- Expert Reminder: Properly care for flowers by adding water to the vase. Understand that flowers don't thrive without water, and follow professional tips to extend their lifespan.
These insights, based on extensive knowledge of the floral industry, aim to enrich your understanding of buying and caring for fresh flowers. If you seek to elevate your floral experiences, consider these expert recommendations for a blossoming journey.
