>In Flower Confidential, Amy Stewart investigates the industry that produces the 4 billion stems bought in the U.S. annually. She shares some fun (and not so fun) facts:
MOST BLOOMS COME DRENCHED IN CHEMICALS In Latin America, which produces 78 percent of the flowers we buy, growers often use chemicals banned or strictly regulated in the U.S.
THE GOOD NEWS It's possible to grow organic flowers that are just as beautiful. You can order organic flowers from www.organicbouquet.com.
FRAGRANCE IS JUST A MEMORY Today's blooms are bred for color, size and durability. The trade-off is they lose scent.
A ROSE IS A ROSE IS ... ALL CLOSED People complain roses don't open as much as they used to—that's because, to be durable, they can't open. Farmer's markets are more likely to sell roses that open gradually.
TULIPS ARE TRICKY The stems continue to get longer in the vase. So if you get a bouquet where the tulips look too short, the florist may have been planning ahead.
BLOOMS THAT WON'T DIE? Breeders are trying to come up with a 30-day rose. I've had Esperance roses, which are green, cream and pink, last three weeks in my house. I actually got sick of them and threw them away.
Your Reaction
