The potential of marigold cut flowers for Valentine's Day

Red roses are the number one flowers for Valentine's Day. However, recently other varieties and colors of cut flowers have become increasingly popular for Valentines floral gifts including carnations, orchids and marigolds. But why? In this article, Beam Sailern Senhuk  marketing director at AmeriSeed, a vegetable and flower seed producer with a large assortment of marigolds, explains why cut flower marigolds offer an alternative flower for Valentine's Day.  

"First of all, when looking at the grower's side, Marigolds are easy to grow and have a lower cost of production compared to roses and other flowers", he says.

When looking at the consumer side of the story, Senhuk mentions the stability of availability and price of the marigold, compared to roses during that time of the year, as an example that makes more and more countries decide to use marigolds in Valentine's Day bouquets or decoration. "In early February, prices of roses always increase as demand outstrips supply. So, for countries that have low supply of roses, Marigold cut flowers can be a good option." 

Also, when looking at the colors, he sees more and more variation over the years. "Red roses are still the number one flowers for Valentine's Day, but over the years, we see more and more colors being used in bouquets.  Marigolds cut flowers have strong, outstanding colors. They are available in various shades of Orange, Yellow and Gold."

On top of that, Marigolds can also be used in various designs including garlands and vase decorations. "Marigolds have important religious and traditional significance in many countries around the world. Marigolds symbolize positive emotion and energy."