f you’re planning on buying a Valentine’s Day bouquet for someone special, you’re not alone. The lover’s holiday captures more fresh-cut flower sales than any other holiday, according to the Society of American Florists. When demand surges, farmers, wholesalers and retailers charge significantly higher prices. Depending upon what florist you choose, you can bank on paying at least 25 to 55 percent more during the month of February. So, when you walk into your local flower shop this Feb. 14, it is likely that cupid’s arrow will be aimed directly at your wallet.

For Mauro Gomes, owner of Magnolia Flowers and Events in Manhattan, Valentine's Day marks the height of bouquet prices for his customers. An average order ranges between $200 and $300. In fact, the store doesn't even accept orders below $130 this time of year.

“We have to charge more because the wholesaler charges us 15 to 20 percent more--even the grower charges a lot more too," he said. Gomez added that that he expects to sell every flower in the store on Valentine's Day.

“People who forget to place orders knock on our door, trying to buy dead plants if they can,” said Gomes. “Put it this way. We make more money on the 13th and 14th than we do in a few other months combined."

For Sang Park, owner of Flowers on Lexington in Grand Central Terminal, this week marks the height of V-Day mayhem. Police, he said, have to control the lines that overflow from his petite store into the station's vestibule. "It's impossible to help everyone who comes to us," he said. "We try, but we cannot."

Park predicts it will be an especially busy holiday this year because the 14th falls in the middle of the week. When Valentine's Day falls closer to the weekend, Sang said, fewer orders are placed in Manhattan and delivered to offices. On the weekends, people are also more likely to dish out dollars for romantic dinners instead.

"Most of our flowers will be sent to the office place this year, which really allows your sweetheart to show off for co-workers," Park chuckled. "You place them on your desk for everyone else to see."

Flowers on Lexington charges 30 percent more for Valentine's Day--a $100 bouquet gets marked up to $130. Sang attributes this price increase to supply and demand. "There simply aren't enough flowers to go around," he said. "Everyone must raise their prices."

At 1800Flowers.com, a retail shop in Midtown, 75 percent of sales take place online, making it easier for procrastinators to avoid the ensuing in-store mayhem. "People start arriving at 6 a.m. to place same-day orders," said Viola Eubanks, the store's manager. "The line is out the door, and it stays that way all day." Eubanks added that the company's prices increase significantly on Feb. 1 and then drop down again after the holiday. "My advice for everyone is to order early," she said. "I know it's hard to think about Valentine's Day a month in advance, but you can save a lot of money if you do."