A Rose by Any Other Name
With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I’m Haylie Shipp
A Rose by Any Other Name...
From digital images to the real deal, Valentine’s Day signals roses. It’s estimated that more than 250 million of the flower are produced for the holiday.
Where do they come from?
The Netherlands leads the world in cut flower exports with a 52% share of the global market, but most roses imported into the United States come from Columbia and Ecuador due to a favorable climate, inexpensive labor, and limited import regulations. Roses in Columbia and Ecuador are grown in unheated hoop houses. There are approximately 20,000 and 11,000 acres under cover in Columbia and Ecuador, respectively.
Cut flowers entering the U.S. from South America typically arrive in Miami. During the peak season between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14, nearly one billion floral stems will travel through the Miami International Airport, with over 30 cargo planes arriving daily. There, cut flowers are inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for insect pests and diseases.
Lucky enough to get this symbol of love? Here’s how to keep it healthy. Make sure to begin with a clean vase. Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. To promote water uptake, cut off the bottom ½ to 1 inch of the stems with a sharp knife.
