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"It's an insane time but you roll with it," said Michael Bothe, co-owner of Mahopac Flower Shop, who expects to sell from 1,800 to 2,000 roses.
The biggest seller? You guessed it: The good old fashioned red rose, usually sold by the dozen, with men -- about 85 percent -- the primary buyers.
With Valentine's Day on a Sunday, many florists are offering extended hours, with staff working many a late night to make sure all is ready for pick up and deliveries.
Mark Buzzetto, owner of Brewster Flower Garden will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on Valentine's Day and doing deliveries. He expects to sell approximately 4,000 roses, staying open until there's nothing left.
Ed Galligan, the owner of Carmel Flower Shop in Carmel, who has been at this for 35 years, puts his estimation of roses sold between 4,000 and 5,000 and said one might be surprised to know other flowers, like lilies and Gerbera daisies are also part of the Valentine's Day repertoire. "People's tastes have expanded nicely," he said.
He, too, will be open extended hours -- think from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - on Sunday.
The only hurdle to a "rosy" holiday: the weather. "Mostly, we're hopeful and keeping our fingers crossed there won't be a snowstorm," said Buzzetto.
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