Chinese rose scores over Nashik rose this V-Day

Thought you would save up on money by presenting flowers to your loved one on Valentine's Day? Think again. The cost of roses has increased from Rs 12 to 15 a piece and will be Rs 50 per rose on Valentine's Day.

Chinese roses are quite in demand right now, according to florists, as they are more attractive

According to florists, the Chinese rose is one of the favourites and people prefer bouquets of Chinese roses rather than the traditional Nashik red rose. A florist told MiD DAY that on a normal day, a rose costs about Rs 20. However, for Valentine's Day, the cost has shot up to Rs 50.

Shivraj Borkar, a flower vendor outside Dadar railway station, said, "I bought a stock of roses for Rs 5,000 today to sell. Normally, the cost of a rose is Rs 15 but for Valentine's Day the cost has risen to Rs 50. And even though the cost has skyrocketed, people will buy them because they go crazy on this day."

Kiran Duraphe, another vendor from the Dadar flower market, added, "The rates of flowers has increased in the last few days and will rise even more tomorrow. There will be at least a 10-20 per cent hike. I am selling gerberas for Rs 60 to 80 for 10 pieces and selling Nasik roses for Rs 80-100."

Echoing similar sentiments, Mohammed Sheikh, said, "I sell flowers in kilograms and currently, there's a new trend where couples are opting for Chinese roses, as they are more attractive."