The 13th is the New 14th: Why Buying Flowers a Day Early is a Power Move

Picture the scene: It’s 5:30 PM on February 14th. You’re standing in a queue that snakes out the door of the florist (or, let’s be honest, the local supermarket). The buckets are looking a bit sad—mostly wilted carnations and a few broken roses that have seen better days. The energy is frantic. The prices are high. And the romance? Well, it’s currently sweating in a winter coat.

Now, picture the 13th. The shop is calm. The buckets are overflowing with fresh, tight buds that just arrived that morning. You have time to choose the perfect stems, chat with the florist, and walk away feeling like you’ve just won Valentine’s Day before it even started.

For years, we’ve been conditioned to think that for flowers to “count,” they must be purchased and delivered on the day itself. But let’s be real: buying flowers the day before Valentine’s Day isn’t just acceptable—it’s actually the smarter, more thoughtful choice.

Here is why the 13th is the new 14th, and how to pull it off like a pro.

The “Freshness” Secret Most People Don’t Know

There is a common myth that buying on the 14th means getting the freshest blooms. The reality is quite the opposite. Florists receive their massive Valentine’s shipments days in advance to prep for the rush.

If you buy on the 13th, you are getting the “pick of the crop”—the straightest stems and the most perfect heads before the chaotic rummaging begins.

The “Bloom Time” Hack If you buy roses or lilies on the 14th that are already fully open, they look great for dinner but might droop by the weekend.

• The Pro Move: Buy flowers on the 13th that are still in “tight bud” stage. By keeping them in water overnight (more on that below), they will begin to unfurl on Valentine’s morning and hit their peak beauty during the date, lasting days longer than the shop-worn ones bought last-minute.

Let’s Talk Money: How Much Are Valentine’s Flowers?

We all know the “Valentine’s Tax” is real. Supply and demand drive prices up significantly in mid-February. So, how much are valentines flowers exactly?

• On the 14th: You are paying premium prices for whatever is left.
• On the 13th: While base prices might still be high, you have the luxury of choice. You can spot a mixed bouquet that looks expensive but costs half the price of a dozen red roses. You can buy loose stems and arrange them yourself (a huge money saver).

Insider Tip: If you really want to save, avoid red roses entirely. They have the highest markup. A massive bunch of tulips or Ranunculus often costs less and looks far more modern.

Scenario Guide: Which Type of Gifter Are You?

Still on the fence? Here is how buying a day early works for your specific situation.

The Overnight Care Routine:

1. Trim the Stems: Cut 2cm off the bottom at an angle. This re-opens the drinking channels.
2. Fresh Water: Put them in a clean vase with cool water immediately.
3. The Cool Spot: This is crucial. Do not put them next to a radiator, oven, or sunny window.
4. No Fruit: Keep them away from the fruit bowl. Fruit releases gas that kills flowers faster.
5. The Garage/Spare Room: The best place for them overnight is a cool (but not freezing) dark room, like a garage or a utility room.

The Details: Cards and Etiquette

Once you have the flowers sorted, the panic usually shifts to the card.

What to Put on Valentine’s Flower Card

Staring at a blank card is daunting. Keep it personal. Avoid the Hallmark clichés unless you mean them.

• For the long-term partner: “To my favourite notification. Thanks for another year of being my person.”
• For the new romance: “I’m really glad we met. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
• For the funny couple: “I bought these on the 13th because I’m organised, not because I’m keen. (Okay, maybe a bit keen).”

How to Say Thank You for Valentine Flowers

If you are the lucky recipient, you might wonder how to say thank you for valentine flowers without it feeling transactional.

• The Text: A simple photo of the flowers in their new spot with “They look perfect here, thank you x” is always a win.
• The Public Post: If they sent them to your work, they probably want the world to know. A quick Story tag is the modern equivalent of a public thank you.

The Verdict

So, should you buy flowers the day before Valentine’s Day? Absolutely.

It saves you stress, often saves you money, and guarantees you better blooms. Plus, there is something quietly confident about being the person who has their gift ready and waiting while the rest of the world is scrambling.

Be the person with the fresh, beautiful bouquet on the morning of the 14th—not the person fighting for the last wilted rose at 6 PM.