Where To Buy V-Day Roses Right Now

Of all the quality roses available for Valentine’s Day, the one’s at Whole Foods really are bargain priced.

PRICE CHECK | Just like at Christmas when they sold fresh, beautifully proportioned eight-to nine-foot-tall Noble fir trees for only $59, Whole Foods markets are offering a killer botanical special for Valentine’s Day: long stem roses at a particularly persuasive price.

Long stem roses can be anywhere from 40 to 80 centimetres in length. Stem length is equated with elegance, and generally speaking, the longer the stem the more costly the rose. The bigger the bud, the larger the bloom, and the buds of premium long stems (70 to 80 cm) can be as much as three inches high and two inches in diameter.

The most desirable and flexible stem length for arranging appears to be around 60 centimetres. Whole Foods, which isn’t normally known for bargains, has a dozen 60 cm “whole trade” red roses done up presentation style with bear grass and wrap for $29.95. Less expensive and equally awesome are their bouquets of 20 roses (40 cm and shorter) is a multitude of colours (including red) for just $20.

Compared with what most flower shops charge for roses at this time of year, Whole Foods is a cost effective way to go. —eds

Visit wholefoodsmarket.com for locations.