Washington ? For every 10 single young American women this Valentine’s Day, there are at least 11 single young guys, which is good news for florists, who expect booming business.

The bad news is that, once they’re hitched, men are likelier to pick up a cheap bouquet with the groceries than go out of their way to find something special.

Figures from the Census Bureau and the cut flower industry released this Valentine’s Day depict an America ripe for courting.

People are waiting longer to get married, according to the 2000 census: Median ages for first marriages are 25 for women and just shy of 27 for men, up about four years from the 1970 census.

The figures show 115 single men in their 20s for every 100 women the same age. And before you say “not until I’m at least 30,” it doesn’t change much later on: There are 109 men for 100 single women in the 30-44 range.

Maybe that’s why florists are so busy.

“I’ve been speaking to retailers, and we’re expecting a strong Valentine’s Day,” said Jennifer Sparks of the Society of American Florists, the industry’s representative to government. “Even in a recession, flowers are known as a great communicator.”

Actual numbers won’t be available until after the holiday, because men  who buy 70 percent of flowers on the day  are notorious last-minute purchasers.

Florists are also counting on the day falling midweek, which traditionally causes deliveries to spike.

“There’s the surprise impact of delivery to the office,” Sparks said. “She gets attention, and he’s a hero.”

“She” should enjoy the grandstanding while she can, because it often comes to a grinding halt once the ceremony is over, according to NPD Group, a market research firm that tracks the industry.

Husbands are likeliest to buy their flowers at the supermarket  generally, the cheapest outlet  making 46 percent of their purchases there.

By contrast, just over 11 percent of overall flower purchases are made at the supermarket, with most people preferring the Internet and traditional florists.

“Valentine’s Day skews younger, to those people trying harder to impress their girlfriend,” said Barrie Rappaport of NPD. “After you get married, you’re done.”