The approach of Valentine's Day sent flower prices skyrocketing in Taipei yesterday, where the price of a single rose tripled from NT$50 to NT$150.
"Bad weather in central and southern Taiwan hurt production and drove prices up," said Su Feng-wei (
A bouquet of 99 roses this year costs NT$11,000, up from NT$4,500 on Chinese Valentine's Day last August, Su said.
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Vendors at the market said the most popular products were bouquets of 20 red long-stemmed roses, with prices ranging from NT$400 to NT$800.
Bouquets of 11 roses -- to express a "single-minded" feeling (一心一意) -- were a popular choice, said another vendor surnamed Chu. She said 22 roses were also considered lucky for lovers because they implied that the two would get married (成雙成對).
The color of the flowers also carries a symbolic meaning for lovers, she said. One college boy who chose yellow roses for his new girlfriend was told by the vendor that yellow implied an intent to break up. He eventually decided on 20 red ones.
Few buyers were willing to spring for the imported blue roses -- priced at NT$3,000 a bouquet.
Tulips and daisies were also popular at the market and for much lower prices. Bouquets of each were on sale for NT$100 to NT$150.
Some customers said they preferred chocolates done up to look like flower bouquets.
"I prefer to get a beautiful bouquet and enjoy the chocolates too," said Huang Hsiu-mei (
Bunches of 11 chocolates cost NT$1,200, while 30 were sold for NT$2,500. Su said one man planning to propose to his girlfriend paid NT$9,000 for 111 chocolates yesterday morning.
However, last-minute shoppers will likely enjoy bargain prices today as flower sellers try to sell off their Valentine's stock, Su said.
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