The price of roses in Baguio City have doubled ahead of Valentine’s Day as cold weather delays blooming and limits supply.

Flower vendors have warned of further increase in prices in the coming days.

At flower stalls in the city, a bundle of roses now sells for about P800, up from the previous P400, as of this writing.

Vendors said that with limited harvest, prices could rise to as much as P1,200 per bundle as demand grows closer to Valentine’s Day.

Criselda Betinio, a flower farmer, said the cold weather has delayed the blooming of roses.

“Kakaunti kasi wala pa nag bloom dahil malamig ang panahon, baka after Valentine’s at saka dadami,” Betinio said.

OTHER FLOWERS

Other flowers have also posted price increases days before Valentine’s Day.

As of February 5, radus and astromeria sell for about P200 per bundle while anthurium, asther and Malaysian mums are priced at P250 per bundle. Sunflowers cost around P60 per stem while carnations sell for about P50 per stem.

Vendors said supply constraints are forcing them to adjust sales practices with some declining advance orders due to price volatility.

Nicocel Castro, a business owner, said prices are likely to continue rising.

“Talagang tataas pa ’yan kasi wala halos supply,” Castro said.

Some sellers said buyers want to lock in current prices, a practice they cannot guarantee.

“Ang gusto kasi ng bibili ngayon ay presyo ngayon, hindi naman puwede,” Betinio said.

Despite the higher prices, some consumers said they are still willing to buy flowers for Valentine’s Day.

“Talagang bibili ako kasi once a year lang naman ito. Pag-iipunan ko kahit mahal,” Nolan Labasan, a buyer, said.

Vendors said they expect demand to peak in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, while supply may only improve after the celebration, once roses begin to bloom in larger volumes.