Cultivation of Tuberose

Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Importance and Uses

• Cut Flower: Tuberose is one of the most important cut flowers known for its delightful appearance, sweet fragrance, and long vase life. It is commonly used in bouquets and vase decorations.
• Flowers: The flower stalk typically grows 75-100 cm tall, bearing white, fragrant flowers.
• Cultural Significance: Tuberose is commonly used for traditional purposes like making garlands (Veni, Gajara) and floral decorations in festivals, weddings, and other cultural events.

Varieties of Tuberose

1. Single Flowered (5 petals): Calcutta Single, Phule Rajani, Bangalore Single, Coimbatore Single.
2. Semi Double (10 petals).
3. Double Flowered (More than 10 petals): Pearl (popular variety).
4. Variegated Leaves (Yellow margin): Variegated Single: Rajat (white margin). Variegated Double: Dhawal (golden margin).
5. Other Varieties: Shrungar, Prajwal, Suhasini, Vaibhav.

Soil: Ideal soil type: Medium sandy loam with good drainage. Well-drained soils are crucial for preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy growth of flowers and bulbs.

Climate: Tuberose requires moderate humidity and mild temperature for optimal growth. Very high temperatures or frost can damage the crop. A temperature range of 25-30°C is considered ideal for growth.

Propagation:

• • Tuberose is propagated using bulbs. The ideal bulb size for planting is a diameter of 1.5-2.0 cm and a weight above 30 grams.
  • The bulbs should be healthy, free from pests and diseases.
  • Before planting, bulbs should be treated with 0.1% Carbendazim fungicide for 30 minutes to prevent fungal infections.
• Best Time for Planting: April to May is the ideal planting time for tuberose bulbs.
• Spacing: The recommended spacing for planting is 30×30 cm or 30×20 cm, depending on the growth habit and variety.
• Seed Rate:
  • Approximately 5000-6000 bulbs/ha.
  • This corresponds to 1,60,000 to 2,50,000 bulbs/ha.

Nutrient Requirements

• Fertilizer Application:
  • Organic matter like Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 20 tons/ha.
  • NPK Fertilization: Apply 200:150:200 kg NPK/ha.
  • Nitrogen (N) should be applied in two split doses:
    • First dose: At 45 days after planting (DAP).
    • Second dose: At 90 DAP.

Harvesting of Flowers

• Flowering Time: Flowers are ready for harvest 3-4 months after planting.
• Cut Flower Harvesting:
  • The spikes should be cut when the lower 1-2 florets have opened, as this ensures the flowers are in full bloom and ready for use.
  • Immediate post-harvest handling:
    • The cut spikes should be immediately placed in a bucket of water to maintain freshness.
    • After harvesting, flowers should be placed in a shade, wrapped in wet cotton cloth or stored in a gunny bag to retain moisture and prevent wilting.

Yield

• Commercial Yield:
  • A planted bulb will give a commercial yield for up to 3 years.
  • The typical yield is about 7-8 lakh spikes/ha or approximately 7-7.5 tons of loose flowers/ha.

Uses of Tuberose Flowers

• Garlands and Veni: The long, fragrant spikes of tuberose are widely used for making garlands, Veni, and Gajara for religious and ceremonial purposes.
• Bouquets: Tuberose is also commonly included in floral bouquets and decorative arrangements due to its pleasant fragrance and elegant appearance.