When you think of Valentine’s Day, maybe fresh-cut flowers, like roses and carnations, come to mind? While I normally focus on different types of locally-produced foods for my articles, for this edition I wanted to give our local flower growers some love. In honor of Valentines’ Day, we’ll be learning about the U.S. cut flower industry, which is growing both nationally and within our state, discussing the benefits of choosing to buy local blooms, what types of flowers are available locally even now in the dead of winter, and ways to connect with our local flower farmers to purchase bouquets for your loved ones that are extra special, this holiday and any day you feel like it!

Flower Facts: The Current U.S. Cut Flower Industry

Did you know that the majority of cut flowers purchased in the U.S. are currently imported? During 2022, nearly $3.3 billion worth of cut flowers, plants, and nursery stock items were imported from 81 different countries, with the top three suppliers being Colombia, Canada, and Ecuador respectively. These numbers represent nearly 80% of the current U.S. cut flower market. Imports of fresh-cut roses, the typical star flower of Valentine's Day, totaled over $800 million in 2022. However, according to the most recent Census of Agriculture (2022), domestic flower farming is on the rise. About 10,800 commercial farms across the U.S. reported growing flowers and greens for florists in 2022, a more than 50% increase compared to the previous census in 2017. And while many flowers are grown in controlled spaces like greenhouses, field-grown flowers are also on the rise, with more than 31,000 acres reported in 2022 (33 percent higher than 2017). U.S. cut flower sales are also up $90 million since the last census (not accounting for inflation).

Benefits of Local Blooms

Why choose to purchase flowers grown locally? Like with other locally grown, raised, and made foods and goods, by purchasing local flowers, you are helping to support local business owners who are also purchasing from other local businesses, often creating positive ripple effects for the local economy. Locally grown flowers often last longer, as they are not being shipped as far (which can also result in a smaller carbon footprint, another perk!). They can also be harvested closer to full bloom, when their colors are at their peak. Additionally, there are specific flowers that are only available locally since they do not transport well, including dahlias, ranunculuses, and zinnias.

Cut Flowers Available Locally in Winter

Fun fact, the traditional long stemmed red roses showcased for Valentines’ Day are not currently grown commercially in NC. However, there are cut flower options available locally even during these cold months. Common flowers available in NC around Valentine’s Day include anemones, tulips, ranunculuses, amaryllises, Icelandic poppies, crocus, and hyacinths. Also consider dried bouquets. Many local flower farmers dry their flowers at the end of the growing season to have a product available in winter, minimizing their waste and giving you a beautiful arrangement that will last much longer and is easier to care for than its fresh counterpart.

Where to Find Locally Grown Flowers

Often the best locations to find locally grown flowers are farmers’ markets. Many markets operate year round, and farmers might have bulbs or dried flower arrangements available in addition to fresh-cut flowers. Also check with your local florists and supermarkets to see if they source locally, and if they are not, your conversations might encourage them to start. Many flower growers also sell online through their social media channels or websites. There are also online databases for local cut flower growers, such as localflowers.org created by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. NC State Extension has also compiled a list of cut flower growers that you can use to connect with a flower farm near you (cutflowers.ces.ncsu.edu).

Flower Care Tips to Maximize Your Vase Life

Giving your flowers some love and care will help extend their vase life. When you first bring your flowers home, trim their stems (angled or horizontal cuts are both fine) to allow the water to move more freely within the stems. Check your water daily and add water as needed, and replace it if it becomes cloudy. Retrimming your stems after a water change is a good idea too, in case they get clogged with debris. If your flowers come with flower food, mix this into the water, as this contains sugars the flowers use and lowers the pH of the water to inhibit microbes from growing. Using these best practices will help extend the life of your flowers. A well-cared for flower can last up to 10-14 days at home.

For more information about locally grown cut flowers and where to find them, contact the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center and ask for either Meredith Favre or Amanda Bratcher, our Local Foods and Horticulture agents respectively, for more information.