Flower demand surges as V-day nears

With Valentine’s Day just two days away, florists and flower growers across Tamil Nadu are reporting a sharp increase in demand for roses and carnations. Couples, gift-buyers, and online shoppers are flocking to markets to secure flowers, particularly red roses, the traditional symbol of love.
“Sales of red roses have increased significantly in the last few days,” said Ramesh Kumar, a florist in T. Nagar, Chennai. “Customers are buying in bulk for their loved ones, and we are seeing more online orders than ever before. People are cautious about waiting until the last minute because of past shortages.”
In Krishnagiri district, one of the state’s major floriculture hubs, growers are harvesting and dispatching lakhs of roses daily. Popular varieties like the deep-red Taj Mahal rose are in high demand for both domestic and international shipments. S. Arul, a rose farmer in Thally, said, “We have doubled our daily harvest this week to meet Valentine’s Day orders. Exporters are also taking large quantities, which keeps us busy from morning to evening.”
Carnations and other flowers are also in demand, though roses continue to dominate Valentine’s Day gifting. According to Shanti Devi, a florist in Hosur, “Roses remain the most popular choice. But we are also selling carnations, lilies, and gerberas. Many customers mix flowers to create bouquets that are unique and memorable.”
Market experts warn that flower prices usually rise as Valentine’s Day approaches. “We expect prices to increase by 15–20% in the next two days due to high demand,” said K. Venkatesan, a local flower market trader. He urged customers to place orders early to avoid last-minute shortages and ensure the best selection.
With just two days remaining, florists and growers are working round the clock to meet the Valentine’s Day rush, highlighting both the continued popularity of traditional gifts and the floriculture sector’s capacity to meet surging demand.