Roses are nice for Valentine’s Day. What you need to know if you’ll be buying some...

If you’d like those Valentine roses to actually bloom – be careful where you buy them...

Roses come in many different grades and there’s a big difference. Low grade roses look pretty and have not fully bloomed yet. These are the kind you usually find in the grocery store. They’re fine and affordable – IF you don’t mind the fact that they will never open. They’re not bred to fully blossom. The big beautiful roses that you may find at a florist will bloom with a luxurious fragrance. They also cost a LOT more. Expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $15 per bloom for top of the line roses. The longer the stem, the more you will pay. 

There are a few ways to save money on quality roses. Asking the florist for shorter stems will help. Also, consider mixing a few fine roses with some other deep red varieties for a fuller bouquet. Just keep in mind that all red blooms will cost a bit more around Valentine’s Day.