Valentine’s Day is all about love, and nothing says romance quite like a bouquet of fresh, vibrant roses. Whether you’re gifting them to a loved one or treating yourself, roses have become the symbol of the holiday. But have you ever wondered how these beautiful blooms make their way to your local florist? Here’s a peek into the incredible journey of your Valentine’s Day roses.

Step 1: The Race Begins in South America

The journey of your roses starts months before February 14. Most of the roses sold in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day are grown in Colombia and Ecuador, two of the largest exporters of cut flowers. Farmers in these countries plan ahead, carefully deciding how many of their rose crops to “pinch” — a process of cutting back the plants to ensure the flowers bloom at the perfect time for Valentine’s Day.

Credits:CNN

Farmers have to be precise, as pinching too early or too late can result in roses that won’t last until the big day. Once the roses are ready, extra staff are often hired to handle the large volumes. The roses are harvested, packed into boxes, and quickly placed into coolers to maintain their freshness. Then, they’re shipped off to Miami.

Step 2: Miami and Distribution Centers

In the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, the flower business is in full swing. Unlike other times of the year, when flowers are flown in about seven times a day, there are more than 14 flights every day bringing roses into the U.S. during this busy season.

After landing in Miami, the roses go through customs, where they’re inspected before heading to distribution centers. Here, flowers are trimmed and kept hydrated to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant for the stores. Companies like USA Bouquet Company, for example, distribute millions of rose stems just for Valentine’s Day.

Step 3: To Supermarkets and Retail Centers

The roses have now traveled across continents, through multiple trucks and planes, and are ready for the final leg of their journey. Once processed, the flowers are shipped out to retail locations across the U.S. Supermarkets and florists receive their deliveries, carefully storing the roses in refrigerated trucks to maintain their freshness.

During this hectic period, logistics are key. Extra staff and resources are needed to handle the surge in demand. It’s not just Valentine’s Day — other occasions, such as births and funerals, also require flowers. This means the supply chain has to stay efficient to keep up with all the orders.

Step 4: Finally, To You

The moment you walk into a store or receive your delivery, the roses are ready to be enjoyed. You trim the stems, fill your vase with water, and admire the stunning display of red, pink, and white blooms. But while the roses may look perfect, the journey to get them to you has been a complex and carefully timed process.

The Environmental Impact

While the sight of roses on Valentine’s Day is a beautiful thing, some environmental advocates have raised concerns about the carbon footprint of imported flowers. The refrigeration and long-distance transportation required to keep roses fresh contribute to the environmental impact. To minimize this, some suggest buying locally grown flowers from nearby florists or farmers markets, which can offer fresh blooms without the extensive supply chain.

Credits:SCRIPP NEWS

Conclusion

Whether you choose roses or another type of flower, the effort and planning behind getting these blooms into your hands is truly remarkable. The journey from farm to florist may be long, but it’s all worth it when you hold that gorgeous bouquet in your hands.