WASHINGTON — Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular occasions to give flowers and that’s good news for procrastinators.
“You may pay a premium to have flowers ordered and specially delivered on Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t worry at all that you’re too late,” said Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Checkbook.org, the website for the nonprofit Consumers’ Checkbook.
Brasler said florists hire temporary workers, additional delivery drivers and stock extra supplies for the holiday.
He offered tips on myriad flower topics — just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Out-of-town deliveries
Checkbook.org recommends skipping big internet sites that frequently are little more than brokers for placing flower orders. Brasler said those businesses receive frequent complaints about on-time deliveries and the quality and size of bouquets.
“Deal with a local florist who can communicate what you want to the distant florist or just deal directly with that distant florist,” Brasler said.
He continued: “Here in the Washington area, the best florists have relationships with these florists in the other areas. They know who’s good, they know who’s bad (and) who can be trusted.”
Saving money on flowers
Prices at flower shops can vary dramatically. “It makes sense to make a few calls,” Brasler said. “We found huge price variation from florist to florist for the same dozen roses, for example.”
Consider picking up flowers yourself at a street vendor, wholesaler or grocery store.
“Our undercover shoppers here at Checkbook found that supermarkets charge about 60 percent less than retail florists,” Brasler said.
Choosing and maintaining a fresh bouquet
Lift bouquets out of a bucket. The water should be clean and flower stems should not be slimy. Ideally, flowers are stored in a refrigerated case. Flower petals should not be wilted. Rose buds should not be opening.
In your home, bouquets should be kept away from sun, heat and fruit. “When fruit ripens it discharges ethylene gas … just as the fruit is ripening it can ripen your flowers,” Brasler said.
More resources
WTOP Garden Editor Mike McGrath has additional tips for keeping cut flowers in a vase looking their best.
Checkbook has ratings for quality and price on more than 250 local florists. Access to the list will be at Checkbook.org for a limited time.
