Los Angeles

Mother's Day Flower Shortage Blamed On COVID-19 Restrictions In South America, California Farms Selling Out To Marijuana Growers

May 5, 2021 / 8:42 AM PDT / KCAL News

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Yet another shortage could land consumers in hot water with their moms on Mother's Day.

Buyers wear face masks while shopping for flowers for sale from wholesale merchants ahead of the Valentine's Day holiday at the Southern California Flower Market on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. - While some florists note an increased demand for socially distant gifts, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted global supply chains and shut down most large events including weddings where flowers are popular. The Valentine's Day and Mother's Day holidays are historically the two busiest days of the year for floral businesses. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

A flower shortage caused by the pandemic could stymie the plans of more than 70% of Americans who were planning buying a lovely bouquet or arrangement for mom.

One reason for the shortage is due to COVID-19 restrictions in South America, where much of the floral supply is grown. There haven't been enough workers in countries like Colombia and Ecuador to grow, package and drive the flower supply.

And while California has been home to many flower farms, many of those growers cashed out when demand screeched to a halt during the pandemic.

"There were farms early on in the pandemic, large farms in California that decided that they could no longer make it, or they did not want to make it anymore," florist Jamal Ansari said. "And they sold to marijuana growers, because that is a huge new industry."

Mother's Day is the third-busiest holiday for florists, behind the holiday season and Valentine's Day.