The final rush is on at Bermuda’s florists ahead of Valentine’s Day — tomorrow.

And most people have left it to the last minute to get in their orders, according to retailers.

But at least three establishments said they were ready to the meet the heavy demand. This year a dozen long stemmed red roses will cost anywhere between $150 to $195 a bunch.

For the owner and creative director of Petals on Queen Street in Hamilton, this will be their first Valentine’s Day since the store opened on April 18, 2013.

Nikki Begg, a self-described “absolute romantic and optimist” said she was “incredibly excited”.

Petals have imported flowers from Japan, California and France.

“Not only have we brought in roses, we’ve also brought in the more unusual varieties like the Japanese sweet pea, ranunculus or bursts of sunshine, pear branches, anemones and orchids,” she said.

“We started ordering in December, our first shipment arrived on Tuesday and we just got our second shipment today.

“What we do is work with the growers to obtain preferred pricing ahead of time and then pass that on to our customers.

“Red roses are still the most popular very closely followed by our designer’s choice.”

“We’ve become known for our unique style and so people leave it to us and trust our judgement,” she added.

The three floral designers employed at Petals have been working “flat out”.

“People do wait until the last minute but we did a lot of pre-orders and made personal contact with our clientele,” said Ms Begg.

“Men tend to need gentle encouragement sometimes, they forget and so we offer a service which has been highly successful. We log all of their special dates, especially Valentine’s Day.

“It’s the biggest day in the year — and the champagne is on ice already.”

At El Shaddai Florist in Sandys, owner Shirmika Brown they were ready for a 14th year of preparations for the biggest day for flowers of the year.

And they will have four drivers making deliveries all over the Island today and tomorrow.

In today’s economic climate, Ms Brown said: “It’s all about working together and helping out each other right now.

“Roses are still the most popular for Valentine’s Day orders. And our arrangements are very popular — we have three different specials ranging from $95 and up this year.

“One dozen roses in a vase will cost you $170. And yes, absolutely, they’re waiting until the last minute which is somewhat of a tradition. It’s something that always happens.”

At Flowers By GiMi on Front Street a dozen roses will cost $195 in a vase, or $165 in cellophane. Sales Associate Regina Daniels said business was brisk in the lead-up to the big day.