Ecuadorian Roses
Ecuador roses are world-famous, and for good reason.
Not only are Ecuadorian roses larger than normal ones, but they also last much longer, and come in an impressive variety of vibrant colors.
So, it’s no wonder that demand for Ecuador roses is sky-high.
For rose lovers and visitors who appreciate beauty, visiting an Ecuador rose farm should be on your must-do list when in Ecuador.
The good news is that the finest Ecuador rose farms are close to the capital city Quito, high up in the Andean Mountains. So, it’s really quite easy to see Ecuador roses first-hand if you know how.
Keep reading to discover the captivating world of Ecuador Roses. We’ll discover just why Ecuadorian roses are considered to be the finest in the world, and how to visit a local rose farm while here.
Let’s take some time to stop and smell the roses—literally!
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What is Special About Ecuadorian Roses?
For many readers, this may be the first time you’ve even heard about Ecuador roses.
So, let’s start by discovering exactly what it is that makes Ecuador roses so famous.
- Roses from Ecuador produce larger flower buds and fuller blooms, which means more appealing and beautiful rose flowers.
- Ecuadorian roses have a longer vase life, remaining fresher for longer. Their expected vase life is 7-14 days, which means one can appreciate them for longer.
- Ecuador roses grow longer, thicker, and heartier stems for a sturdier plant, which also allows them to grow taller.
- Ecuadorian roses come in every color imaginable, from traditional shades of red, pink, and white, to lavender, purple, orange, and even rainbow-colored.
- Many Ecuadorian rose farms work hard to ensure that their roses are grown sustainably, and have globally recognized eco-certification.
These combined factors are what make Ecuador roses so highly sought after around the world. As a result, the exportation of Ecuadorian roses has become a big business in the country, employing over ½ million people.
Interestingly though, each foreign market has different demands.
Take the USA for example. They tend to look for traditional red roses on Valentine's Day, and white, yellow, or pink for Mother’s Day. Russia, on the other hand, prefers more vivid and bright colors on longer stems. China goes a step further in ordering multi-colored roses but on shorter stems.
So, there’s a big demand to be met around the world, and there’s a place on the menu for each Ecuador rose variation. There is also great competition between Ecuadorian Rose companies to bring new and innovative products to market.
Why is Ecuador such a good place for growing roses?
Ecuador hit the biological jackpot when it comes to unique conditions for growing roses.
Most of Ecuador’s rose farms are located high up in the Andes Mountains, on rich, fertile volcanic soil.
Up at high altitude, the weather is perfect for roses. The sun is not too strong, and the nights are fresh and cool without ever becoming too cold. In fact, it’s the cool mountain air that ensures roses grow slowly, resulting in thicker stems and longer-lasting blooms.
Most roses are also grown close to the Equator. Here, we do not experience 4 seasons in the year like most countries. So, the advantage is that rose plants receive 12 hours of sun every day throughout the year. What’s more, they receive perpendicular sunrays.
These conditions are perfect for stimulating photosynthesis and maximizing plant metabolism, growth, and color intensity.
How to Visit an Ecuador Rose Farm?
If you’re in Quito City or the surrounding highland areas, you’ll be close to the heart of Ecuador's rose industry.
Many Ecuador Rose Farms offer tours of their entire process—from planting to harvesting, sorting, and packaging for international shipment.
You’ll get to walk through rows and rows of perfectly cultivated roses, in a multitude of colors.
Note that all rose farm visits should be organized in advance. All plantations mentioned in this blog are working farms, so do not accept walk-in visitors.
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Get a FREE personalised quote todayWhere are the Best Ecuador Rose Farm Tours?
1. Ecuador Rose Tours at Cayambe
If you're heading to Otavalo for its famous market, consider a detour to Cayambe, a town known for its rose farms and tasty bizcochos (a traditional biscuit). It’s a charming way to break up the journey and take in some floral beauty.
It’s easy to include a visit to an Ecuadorian Rose Farm as part of an Otavalo day tour. Hacienda La Compañía, for example, is the perfect place to explore a historic old hacienda that now produces 38 rose varieties in their Rosadex farm. They employ 270 employees, 70% of whom are women, and all are well cared for with access to food and medical care.
There are also many other Rose Farms in the area around Cayambe and Otavalo.
2. Rose Farm Tours at Cotopaxi
Another typical day tour from Quito that can include a visit to see roses is Cotopaxi.
Rose Success, for example, is a plantation offering everything from classic garden roses to modern tinted colors and designs.
EcoRoses is another interesting and enjoyable visit, located close to Machachi Town, right on the border of Cotopaxi National Park.
3. Rose Plantation Tour in Quito's Valley
You’ll also find Ecuador rose farms closer to Quito in the valley area around Quito International Airport.
Sacha Rose, for example, is located in Pifo at 3,200 meters (10,500 ft) above sea level and is happy to show tourists around their installations.
Papallacta Hot Spring day tours pass by Pifo on route, so a visit to Sacha Rose is possible to include.
Fun Ecuador Rose Facts
- Big Business: Over 48,000 employees work for companies that grow and export Ecuadorian roses to the international florist trade. Another 55,000 work indirectly with roses. And more than half of all these workers are women. Therefore, roses have a huge impact on the Ecuadorian economy.
- World's Longest Stems: Ecuadorian roses are famous for their incredibly long stems, often reaching up to 6 feet (around 1.8 meters) in length. These tall beauties make for dramatic floral arrangements!
- Over 500 Varieties: Ecuador produces an astonishing variety of roses, with more than 500 different types grown across the country. It’s fair to say we have something for all tastes.
- A Rainbow of Colors: Ecuadorian roses come in an amazing array of colors, including unique shades like lavender, deep purple, and multi-colored petals. Some Ecuador rose farms even specialize in creating custom-colored roses through special techniques.
- Valentine’s Day Powerhouse: Ecuador is one of the top exporters of roses for Valentine’s Day. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Ecuadorian rose farms are buzzing with activity to meet the global demand for these romantic blooms.
- Environmentally Friendly: Many Ecuadorian rose farms are committed to sustainable practices. They use eco-friendly growing methods and support local communities. Veriflor and Rain Forest Alliance work hard to help farms in Ecuador provide a safe and equitable work environment as well as practice environmentally responsible agriculture.
- Handpicked, Sorted, and Packed: Each rose is carefully handpicked and quality-checked to ensure it reaches its destination in perfect condition. Workers handle the flowers with care, ensuring they look just as stunning when they arrive at your door as they do in the fields.
- The "Silver Dollar" Market: Ecuadorian roses are so valued worldwide that they’ve earned the nickname “silver dollars” in the flower industry. Roses originating from Ecuador are considered a premium product in the floral market.
- Year-Round Blooming: Roses in most other parts of the world are seasonal, yet Ecuadorian roses bloom all year round. This means no matter when you visit, you’ll always find these gorgeous flowers in full display.
- Flower Power and Tourism: Rose tourism is a growing trend in Ecuador. Visitors can tour rose farms, learn about the cultivation process, and even create their own floral arrangements. It’s a fun and fragrant way to experience the country’s rich agricultural heritage!
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In conclusion, Ecuador Roses are valued the world over for their high quality, large size, diversity of colors, and longevity. They are also the national flower of Ecuador.
There are many Ecuador rose farms located close to Quito city. A rose farm can make a wonderful inclusion to a day tour itinerary to Otavalo, Cotopaxi, or Quito’s Valley area.
For rose lovers, a trip to see Ecuador's Roses is a must! You’ll find color variations and aromas you never even imagined possible.
