Grower prices rise by about 33 per cent for Valentine’s Day meaning the Port’s florists pay more, said Paula Finn from Poppies of the Bay. 

But it is not only grower prices the Port vendors have to deal with, but internet companies as well.

“There’s a real discrepancy between what you pay on the internet verse a florist,” Ms Finn said.

“In one order alone, the internet company will skim $50 off the top.

“The order comes under our name but what we get barely covers the cost of buying the flowers.”

Ms Finn, who works for Julie Elias at Poppies of the Bay in Nelson Bay said grower prices rise for Valentine’s Day.

This meant buying flowers was more expensive for florists. And, internet companies don’t adjust their prices to compensate.

“Support the little businesses and buy local. Coles and Woolies are just as bad,” Ms Finn said.

“If you come straight to a florist you get value for money and you don’t pay for the internet companies to skim off the top.”

Valentine’s Day is on Sunday, February 14.

If you are planning to buy flowers for a loved it’s best to order ahead.

“People do tend to leave it to the last minute, but it pays to plan ahead,” Ms Finn said.