Countdown to Valentine’s Day keeping flower shops busy

Valentine’s Day is the second-biggest day of the year for local flower growers and florists.

Several Santa Barbara shops said Valentine’s Day is right behind Mother’s Day when it comes to flower sales. Red roses are the chosen by 51 percent of buyers and florists said the last-minute rush is keeping them busy.

“It’s going to be crazy,” said Mario Gonzalez from Lily’s Flowers. “We have over 200 deliveries already for Valentines Day.”

The majority of flowers on the Central Coast are from Carpinteria. Jema Floral delivers truck loads of flowers to local florists. Owner Migul Gonzalez says 99 percent of its product is locally grown.