California is the top producer of cut flowers in the United States. It would make sense, then, that one of the biggest wholesale flower markets in the nation is also in California. San Francisco to be exact. At the San Francisco Flower Mart, things begin while most people are snoozing. More than 80 growers and vendors sell their goods here. Florists and decorators come to the Flower Market to get the supplies they need to serve the consumer. A Bay Area tradition, the San Francisco Flower Market was founded approximately 70 years ago. Many of the vendors are 3rd and 4th generation growers. "My grandfather, he was a founding father of the Flower Market," said grower Richard Gatti. "I've been coming, myself, to the Flower Market here for 43 years." As the market has changed, some things remain constant. Roses are still the top item, especially during the peak season when Valentine's Day, Secretaries Day and Mother's Day follow one another closely on the calendar. Selection and quality are also mainstays of the Flower Market. "When they want to see everything that's available in the flower business, this is the place to be, at the Flower Mart in San Francisco," continued Gatti. And California Heartland took you there. If you have questions or comments about this story, please E-mail us at calheart@kvie.org.