Red roses announce love in the air, price mutes sale on the ground

February 14 is celebrated as the day of love, in memory of the Roman saint Valentine, who spread the message of peace and love in his country back during the third century

Vasudha Zora I NT

Bengaluru: Well ahead of Valentine’s Day, Bengaluru is all geared up to usher in the “Season of Love”. Knowing that there is great demand for them now, street vendors have smeared 'Silicon City' with red and white roses.

Demand for the most popular way to express love has doubled over the past few days, making the sellers smile from ear to ear. February 14 is celebrated as the day of love, in memory of the Roman saint Valentine, who spread the message of peace and love in his country back during the third century.

There are many assumptions to why the day was chosen. Some say that Saint Valentines was martyred on the day for performing secret weddings. Regardless of the wide spectrum of beliefs over its origin, the business of roses peaks around this time, as per a Horticulture Association report. Roses grown in Bagalur, Chikkballapur, Dodaballapur, Attibele and Hosakote are reputed for a long shell life and excellent quality across the country.

The weather this season, though, was unkind to rose growers. This, coupled with their increased demand, the most in-demand love gift has been selling at Rs 40 a piece and the price will only go up in coming days, according to Vignesh, a vendor who caters to buyers on Church Street.

“On a regular day, the price of one rose is otherwise Rs 10-12. Of course, we deck them up in a decorative cover. We offer discounts for bulk orders,” he said, going on to add that the demand extends to even the other colours of the “Queen of flowers”.

Many gift shops and florists have come up with innovative gift ideas that align with the many needs. Many of them are selling saplings and fully-bloomed flowers in decorated pots and themebased craftwork. There also is an increased demand for creatively-made bouquets made with marigolds, orchids, daisies, ferns and moss.