ST. LOUIS – Valentine’s Day is 10 days away and florists across the region are gearing up for one of their biggest holidays.

“We dodged a bullet because many of the roses come from Colombia and there was almost a tariff against Colombia right when the roses are almost blooming,” Walter Knoll III, president of Walter Knoll Florist, said. “Very scary, but we made it through that one.”

Those imported roses from Colombia are grown on a volcano.

“Roses grow back in the field on a 90-day interval,” Knoll said. “What happens is they try and time it, so roses are peaking right now. So, they go out on the field every day and cut these roses to try and get them a little longer because this is the day when roses are really in demand.”

In demand, but it’s going to cost you more than previous years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, buying roses between 2023 and 2024 was 3% higher. This year, a dozen roses will cost you 2% more, according to FinanceBuzz.com.

For Knoll, spending is on par with previous years, with the average person spending between $75 and $150.

Knoll recommends people order their roses or other flowers early.

“Everybody wants it delivered by noon. Because they want the call from their loved one before they go to lunch,” he said. “Otherwise, they’re nervous it’s not going to happen. That’s why we encourage people to get them for the day before; that way, there’s no pressure. Your loved one knows you love them, and they got there the day before.”

Walter Knoll III said they’re selling a dozen for $30 for walk-ins on Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Friday this year.