Buy Tulips Instead Of Roses For Valentine's Day: Here's Why

Englewood flower shop promotes buying tulips over roses for Valentine's Day, emphasizing sustainability and local growth. Don't miss out!

This Valentine's Day, Southside Blooms, a flower shop in Englewood, is encouraging people to consider buying tulips for their loved ones instead of the traditional roses. The shop, which is part of the nonprofit Chicago Eco House, is offering holiday specials featuring tulips as a more sustainable alternative to imported roses.

According to Quilen Blackwell, the founder and executive director of Southside Blooms, roses are typically imported from growing farms in warmer climates, which require large operations with increased water requirements and the potential for chemical runoff. On the other hand, tulips are a more sustainable option as they are grown locally in Chicago using an organic and pesticide-free process.

To promote the use of tulips for Valentine's Day, Southside Blooms has partnered with Brown Sugar Bakery to offer two "Eco-Love" gift packages. These packages include locally made chocolates, plantable seed cards made of upcycled paper, and other sweet treats.

The process of growing tulips at Southside Blooms involves planting bulbs in dirt-filled crates in cold, temperature-controlled rooms. Once they are old enough, the tulips are transferred to a warmer room with red and blue grow lights to complete the growing process.

Last year, Southside Blooms grew about 18,000 tulips, and this year, they expect the number to reach 30,000. The shop offers a variety of tulip colors and types, including fringe tulips, double tulips, and parrot tulips, providing customers with a wide range of options.

Overall, the response to Southside Blooms' tulips has been extremely positive, with the shop expecting to sell out again this year. The local, sustainable, and diverse nature of their tulips has resonated with customers, making them a popular choice for Valentine's Day gifts.