LUCKNOW, Feb. 8 -- Valentine's Week got off to a blooming start with florists doing brisk business at Lucknow's Phool Mandi in Kisan Bazaar on Saturday, raking in Rs.3 crore from the sale of flowers in a single day on Rose Day.

According to traders, nearly 9-10 lakh flowers were sold on the first day alone at the city's most fragrant hotspot, with roses accounting for around 80% of the total demand. For instance, a particular bouquet of 225 roses was sold for Rs.18,000 with each premium quality 'Taj Mahal rose' priced at Rs.80.

All through the day, the price for a single rose ranged from Rs.50 to Rs.90 in the wholesale market depending on quality, according to flower sellers.

Florists say these seven days are the most lucrative period ...