Cultivation of Important Flower Crops
Rose (Rosa spp.)
- Scientific name: Rosa hybrida
- Family: Rosaceae
- Origin: Central Asia
- Commercial rose cultivated for cut flowers: Rosa hybrida
- Rosa damascena → used for rose oil and rose water.
- Rosa centifolia → known as Cabbage Rose.
- Rosa bourboniana → Indian origin hybrid (rose × china rose).
- Rosa chinensis → important parent of modern roses.
- Variety ‘Arka Swadesh’ – hybrid tea rose, developed by ICAR–IIHR Bengaluru.
- Variety ‘Arka Pride’ – floribunda rose, high yield and disease resistant.
- Rose oil content in Rosa damascena: 0.02–0.05%.
- Rose is propagated mainly by budding (T-budding).
- Optimum temperature for rose: 18–28°C.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus)
- Family: Iridaceae
- Origin: South Africa
- Commonly called: “Queen of Bulbous Flowers.”
- Chromosome number: 2n = 60
- Propagated by corms and cormels.
- Flower spikes are harvested when first floret shows color.
- ‘White Prosperity’, ‘Red Beauty’, and ‘Friendship’ are popular varieties.
- Gladiolus corm dormancy can be broken by GA₃ @ 500 ppm.
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa / Agave amica)
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Origin: Mexico
- Chromosome number: 2n = 60
- Common name: Rajnigandha or Nishigandha
- Types: Single, Semi-double, and Double
- ‘Prajwal’, ‘Suvasini’, ‘Shringar’ – developed by ICAR–DOGR, Pune.
- ‘Rajat Rekha’ – single type with silvery white streaks on leaves.
- ‘Suvasini’ – double type with large flower clusters.
- Essential oil yield: 0.08–0.10%.
- Flowering starts 4–5 months after planting.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: China and Japan
- Known as: “Queen of the East.”
- Propagation: Terminal cuttings
- ‘Poornima’, ‘Jaya’, ‘Ratlam Queen’ – popular Indian varieties.
- ‘Arka Nirantara’ – perennial variety by ICAR–IIHR.
- Chrysanthemum prefers short-day conditions for flowering.
- Used in garlands, decoration, and pot culture.
Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: South Africa
- Common name: Transvaal Daisy or African Daisy
- Chromosome number: 2n = 50
- Soil pH: 5.5–6.5
- Propagation: Tissue culture and suckers
- ‘Arka Amar’, ‘Arka Nesara’, ‘Arka Ashwa’ – developed by ICAR–IIHR.
- Flower yield: 200–250 flowers/m²/year under polyhouse.
- Vase life: 10–14 days.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: Mexico
- Species: Tagetes erecta (African Marigold), patula (French Marigold).
- Tagetes erecta has larger flowers; patula more compact plants.
- ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’, ‘Pusa Basanti Gainda’ – IARI Delhi varieties.
- Marigold flowers contain lutein, used in poultry feed and dyes.
- Crop duration: 90–120 days.
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Known as: “Divine Flower.”
- Propagation: Terminal cuttings
- Temperature: 15–20°C
- ‘Red Corso’, ‘White Liberty’, ‘Yellow Solar’ – popular cut flower cultivars.
- Vase life: 12–15 days.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Origin: Tropical regions of Asia
- Common types: Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Vanda.
- Propagation: Tissue culture and division.
- Grown in coir pith and charcoal medium.
- Shade requirement: 75% shade.
- ‘Bangkok Blue’, ‘Sonia 17’ – popular Dendrobium hybrids.
- Export-oriented flower.
Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum)
- Family: Araceae
- Origin: Colombia
- Common name: Flamingo Lily
- Propagation: Suckers or tissue culture
- Optimum temp: 25–30°C; RH: 80–85%
- Grown under 75% shade net.
- ‘Tropical Red’, ‘Tropical White’, ‘Fantasy Love’ – commercial varieties.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
- Family: Oleaceae
- Origin: India
- Important species: J. sambac, J. grandiflorum, J. auriculatum.
- ‘Co.1 Mullai’, ‘Co.2 Mullai’, ‘Arka Arpan’ – popular cultivars.
- Used for garlands, perfume, and essential oil.
- Jasmine oil yield: 0.24–0.35%.
- Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings.
