Why do we give red roses on Valentine’s Day?

Have you ever wondered why Americans give roses, specifically red roses, on Valentine’s Day?

It’s fascinating, really.

Ready to nerd out with me? Here we go.

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of Love, wore roses, which became a symbol of the romantic love she represented.

In Roman times, a priest named Valentine would secretly wed soldiers who were forbidden to marry. He was executed for this. Centuries later, Europeans celebrated St. Valentine by giving gifts to loved ones on February 14th, the day he died.

The Victorians later developed a language of flowers, assigning meaning to every flower given. Red roses were given to say, “I love you.”

Stick with me, here…

In the 1900s, American florists wanted to expand their market during the cold months, as locally grown flowers were less available in the winter.

When it was discovered that roses could be brought in via ship inexpensively from Columbia and Ecuador in February, just in time for a large commercial holiday, a new floral empire was born.

Savvy businessmen and marketers wanted to draw attention to the highly profitable imported flowers, so they played on these emotional traditions and persuaded Americans that buying red roses for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day meant you were romantic.

Interesting, right?

But here’s the problem: this buying craze nearly crushed the domestic flower farming industry in the U.S., because roses don’t naturally grow in most of our ecosystems this time of year.

Thanks to marketing, Americans began the habit of buying imported flowers over domestic flowers, especially when they became available year-round.

To make matters worse, we now know that imported flowers are full of pesticides and preservatives that are harmful to our natural environment, and the transportation of these flowers creates a large carbon footprint.

In addition, many of these massive farms present inhumane working conditions that include long hours in high heat or factory conditions, regular exposure to deadly chemicals, and unfair wages.

Luckily, in the past 20 years, new American cut flower growers have seen the negative effects of this commercially driven demand and have started the process of rebuilding a more sustainable domestic flower farming industry.

American farmers want flower consumers to rethink where their flowers come from and to consider the natural rhythms of our growing cycle. 

Small local farms work hard to grow sustainably, with fair labor practices, and a dedication to preserving our beautiful lands.

By purchasing flowers when they are naturally available, instead of when the public demands, it goes a long way in both supporting small business and improving our environment on a local and global scale.

A great way to do this is to subscribe to a local farm’s CSA program (or Commercially Supported Agriculture). Programs like our farm’s Bouquet Club, give flower lovers the opportunity to experience beautiful domestically grown flowers in the season they were meant to grow in.

This means their flowers are never shipped, never treated with harmful chemicals, and they last for weeks longer in the vase (they have brighter colors and stronger fragrance as well). An added benefit is that a subscription means you receive a steady flow of gorgeous blooms for many weeks instead of a one-time purchase.

You can also be proactive towards the local flower movement by purchasing flowers from local florists who buy flowers from nearby farmers. This is a great way to help both sides of the industry move forward in a positive direction.

It is so fascinating how our buying habits are formed by culture and the traditions we assume.

I say all this not to make you feel negative about buying imported flowers, but to draw awareness to a movement that is working hard to end practices that harm our people, domestic economy and environment. 

A little information goes a long way!

About the author

Thank you for choosing to join our family on this grand adventure, as we grow something beautiful, meaningful, and good. If we haven't met yet, I am Sara Wilson, and my husband Teddy and I own Oklahoma Cut Flower Company in Norman, Oklahoma. We are a micro-farm that grows specialty cut flowers to educate and inspire our local flower-loving community. We offer flower subscriptions, educational workshops, and you-pick flower events. We are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

You can learn more about us and join our adventures by subscribing to our email list and following us on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.