Why some roses are coming up green
This Valentine’s Day, among all the roses you can choose for your sweetheart there’s one kind you may not have considered: “green” roses. Although they represent a small fraction of the $10 billion cut-flower industry in the U.S., sustainably grown roses have been on the market for several years and are just a click away. Can buying these roses really make a difference?
GROWING ROSES ISN'T ALWAYS PRETTY
In an effort to grow aesthetically perfect flowers, growers depend on the intensive use of pesticides. In fact, more pesticides are used on a per-acre basis to grow flowers than any other agricultural product. There is also an incentive for growers in international countries—where the majority of imported roses originate—to increase pesticide use, as shipments into the U.S. can be rejected due to infestations. Since non-edible products imported into the U.S. are not regulated for pesticide residues, any type or amount can be present on flowers sold here. Hazardous pesticides used on roses include possible carcinogens, such as paraquat, and neurotoxins, such as chlorpyrifos.
Fortunately, there are now companies and farmers that offer roses and other flowers grown in ways that can help protect both agricultural workers and the environment. To find these flowers, shop for the labels below.
LABELS TO LOOK FOR
 Organic. This label and/or term means flowers were grown without the most persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, as well as without genetic engineering or ionizing radiation. Growers emphasize the use of renewable resources and conserving soil and water to enhance environmental quality.
 Veriflora. This certification addresses both environmental and social issues. The use of pesticides and fertilizers is restricted, and flowers are grown using water-, soil-, and habitat-conservation measures. Farm laborers are compensated and protected according to international, national or locally recognized standards.
 Biodynamic. These flowers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetic engineering, and animal by-products. Additionally, flowers may not be grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields.
CR'S ROSE TEST RESULTS
Consumer Reports recently tested roses from four nationwide mail-order services, including Organic Bouquet, a company that sells a variety of eco-labeled flowers. The Organic Bouquet roses were “Veriflora-certified” and came in third place in the overall ratings. While they were rated “very good” for consistency, they rated only “fair” for lifespan. Our testers found that the blooms arrived open, were impressive on day two, but faded in three to four days. The Organic Bouquet roses came without baby’s breath or a vase, but smelled nice. No flower food was included either and according to the company, there is no viable “eco-certified” food at this time. At the time of testing, they cost $50 per dozen, just $10 more than the lowest-priced dozen tested. For the complete report, visit ConsumerReports.org.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR ROSES LOOKING FRESH
• Wash the vase carefully to remove all traces of flowers that were in it before.
• Put the freshly cut flowers in a filled vase right away; use lukewarm water for most flowers, cold water for bulb flowers.
• Remove the two to three outer guard petals from roses.
• Remove any foliage that will be below the water line; it breeds bacteria.
• Holding each stem under water, use a sharp, nonserrated knife to cut about an inch off the end. Cut at an angle. A knife won’t crush stems as scissors can, underwater cutting prevents air from blocking water uptake, and an angle keeps stems from resting flat against the vase.
• Place the vase out of direct sunlight in a cool spot, away from vents, radiators, or appliances that get warm.
• Every other day, refill the vase, recut the stems, and put them in the vase immediately.
RESOURCES
The resources below have not been reviewed or rated by Consumer Reports. We provide these links to you as an information service. If you experience any difficulties with any of the companies, please send us an email at webmaster@greenerchoices.org.
Organic flowers
Organic Bouquet
1-877-899-2468
California Organic Flowers
530-891-6265
Diamond Organics
1-888-674-2642
Flowers from Hawaii
808-960-4788
Veriflora flowers
Organic Bouquet
1-877-899-2468
Biodynamic flowers
Organic Bouquet
1-877-899-2468
Local flowers
Buying local flowers that may or may not be certified is another option. To find out if there’s a seller near you, check Local Harvest, a searchable database of local agricultural products.
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