Flower Cultivation
Flowers are loved by everyone. People of all ages, young and old, enjoy flowers. The captivating colors and fragrance of flowers attract people. This is why flowers have been used in various ways since ancient times. Flowers hold the highest place when it comes to expressing love and respect. We feel delighted when we receive flowers as gifts. Additionally, flowers can be cultivated for income. Many people have chosen flower farming as a profession for this reason.
Why Should We Cultivate Flowers?
The demand for flowers is increasing day by day during festivals and events. This demand for flowers cannot be met solely through hobby gardening. For this, flowers need to be cultivated on a commercial scale. Furthermore, flower farming requires minimal land and capital. For these reasons, commercial flower farming is on the rise. The reasons for cultivating flowers include:
- Flower farming does not require a large investment.
- Flowers are a high-value crop, making cultivation profitable.
- Flowers can be cultivated in small spaces.
- Flower farming can be done year-round.
- Flower farming can involve the entire family.
Requirements Before Starting Flower Cultivation
Two types of materials are needed for flower farming: 1. Permanent materials, and 2. Consumable materials.
- Permanent Materials
Items that can be used over a long period after being purchased or collected are called permanent materials. - Consumable Materials
Some items are not always necessary and need to be bought or collected only when required. These items are known as consumable materials.
Now, let’s look at the types of materials needed:
Permanent Materials
Plow, Hoe, Spray machine, Machete, Long scissors, Spray machine, Knife, Weeder or Khurpi, Shovel or Trowel, Sieve.
These materials are available in stores in district and sub-district towns and local markets. Approximately 6,000 taka is needed to purchase these permanent items.
Consumable Materials
1 Basket, Paper box, 1 kg rope, 5 sacks, Old newspapers
It may cost around 300 taka to buy the items mentioned above. Besides permanent and consumable materials, fertilizers and pesticides are also needed for flower cultivation. Below are the names of some necessary fertilizers for flower cultivation:
Names of Essential Fertilizers for Flower Cultivation
- Urea fertilizer
- MOP fertilizer
- Zinc fertilizer
- Cow manure
- TSP fertilizer
- Mustard cake
- DAP fertilizer
Except for cow manure, all other fertilizers are available at dealers’ shops in district and sub-district town markets. However, we need to buy good-quality fertilizers and pesticides after careful consideration. The usage instructions for chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be thoroughly understood.
Profitable Flower Cultivation Options
Now we will learn about the cultivation of marigold, rose, and tuberose flowers. Initially, we can select just 5 katha of land around the house to start flower cultivation.
Marigold Cultivation
Commercial marigold cultivation can be very profitable, as this flower requires low cultivation costs. Marigold plants can survive in any environment. Compared to other flowers, marigold plants are less susceptible to pests and viruses. With minimal care, marigolds can be cultivated on the same land three times a year. For marigold cultivation, 2,000 saplings are needed for 5 katha of land, with the price per thousand saplings ranging from 350 to 400 taka.
Varieties of Marigold Flowers
In our country, two main varieties of marigold flowers are commonly cultivated. These are:
- African Marigold
- French Marigold
African marigolds are orange, yellow, and deep brown in color, while French marigolds are red and yellow. The French variety produces many small flowers, making it more popular among farmers for commercial cultivation.
Steps for Marigold Cultivation
Planting Time
Shraban (July-August) is the best time for planting saplings. Saplings can be prepared by sowing seeds or cutting branches. For the first year, collect saplings from a good nursery or nearby farmers.
Land Selection and Bed Preparation
Choose land that receives continuous sunlight from morning until noon. Prepare beds that are at least 2 inches high with loose soil. The length of the beds can vary—5, 10, or 20 feet long, and 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
Fertilizer Application
Before the final tilling, apply 500 kg of cow manure per 5 katha of land at a rate of 100 kg per katha. Add 5 kg of TSP, 1.3 kg of potash, and 1.3 kg of urea to the land.
Procedure for Planting Marigold Saplings
Plant each sapling 10 inches apart. After planting one row, leave a gap of at least 3 feet before planting the next row. Create a trench between the rows, which will serve two purposes: watering the plants and allowing space to stand between rows for plant care. Following this method, 2,000 saplings can be planted in 5 katha of land.
Irrigation and Weed Control on Land
Water the saplings in the afternoon for 2-3 days after planting. Ten to fifteen days later, if weeds appear on the land, remove them with a weeder. If the soil dries out, water as needed.
Pruning
When the saplings are one month old, trim a few of the top branches to make the plants bushier. This will encourage new branches to grow, and buds will appear on these new branches.
Bud Trimming
A branch may have many buds. If so, keep 2-4 buds on the top and remove the rest. If there are too many buds on a plant, cut a few branches from the lower part. This will result in bigger and more beautiful flowers.
Fertilizer Application and Re-Irrigation
When the plants are 2 months old, buds will appear on each branch. At this time, water the land again. Along with irrigation, add 1 teaspoon of superphosphate per plant or a mixture of urea, TSP, and MOP fertilizer (DAP). This will encourage abundant flowering.
Flower Harvesting
On average, all plants will bloom in 75 days or two and a half months. Harvest the blooming flowers daily by cutting them with a sharp blade or knife, leaving a long stem. Spray water on the flowers to keep them fresh longer. Place the flowers picked from the garden in a basket. From 5 katha of land, 4,000-5,000 flowers can be picked daily. With one planting on 5 katha of land, it is possible to harvest 120,000 to 150,000 flowers. Planting saplings three times a year will yield approximately 130,000 flowers per planting, totaling around 390,000 flowers annually.
Diseases and Remedies
Marigold flowers are prone to various diseases. Let’s learn about the causes and remedies for these diseases.
| Disease | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Root and stem rot and wilting | Bacterial and fungal infection | Mix 4 grams of copper oxychloride in 1 liter of water and apply it at the base of the plant. Additionally, mix one-third of a 100-gram bottle of Ridomil Gold or Bavistin with 16 liters of water (one barrel of spray machine) and spray on the plants. Uproot and bury or burn affected plants. |
| Drying of shoot tips | Bacterial infection | Use Diclophol or Thiovit. However, it is best to uproot and bury or burn the affected plant. |
| Aphid infestation | Aphid infestation | Mix 1 milliliter of Savikron in 1 liter of water and spray on the plants. Alternatively, spray a solution of the insecticide Malathion in water. |
| Black spots on leaves and water accumulation at the base | Fungal infection | Mix 4 grams of copper oxychloride in 1 liter of water and spray on the plants. Additionally, 2 grams of Mancozeb can be mixed in 1 liter of water and sprayed. |
Precautions
- If the plants are attacked by viruses, fungi, or insects, apply the appropriate remedy immediately.
- Regularly inspect the garden to detect any issues with the soil, plants, or flowers.
- Keep the land free of weeds at all times.
- If rainwater accumulates, ensure it is drained immediately.
Profit from Marigold Cultivation
The profit is determined by subtracting all costs from the sale value of the harvested products. By cultivating marigolds on 5 katha of land, it is possible to earn a profit of 61,000 taka per year. Below is an approximate breakdown of income and expenses.
Fixed Expenses
As we already know, the approximate cost of the necessary permanent tools for marigold cultivation is 6,000 taka. Assuming 20% depreciation, the annual cost of the fixed equipment is 1,200 taka.
Recurring Expenses
| Land preparation (3 times a year at 2,000 rupees per time) | 6,000 rupees |
| Seedling purchase (6,000 seedlings at 0.50 rupees each) | 3,000 rupees |
| Fertilizer purchase (3 times at 1,000 taka per time) | 3,000 rupees |
| Pesticide purchase (3 times at 500 taka per time) | 1,500 rupees |
| Irrigation cost (3 times at 500 taka per time) | 1,500 rupees |
| Purchase of baskets, rope, and sacks | 300 rupees |
| Land rent (1-year rent for 5 katha of land) | 500 rupees |
| Total Recurring Expenses | 15,800 rupees |
Total Cost
| Recurring expenses: | 15,800 rupees |
| Fixed expenses | 1,200 rupees |
| Grand Total Cost | 17,000 rupees |
Profit
| Flower sales (3,90,000 flowers at 0.20 taka each) | 78,000 rupees |
| Total cost (fixed and recurring expenses) | 17,000 rupees |
| Annual Profit from Marigold Cultivation | 61,000 rupees |
Rose Cultivation
The rose is a beloved flower for everyone. Its color, structure, and fragrance make it special, so much so that everyone calls it the “queen of flowers.” Its popularity ensures high demand throughout the country, making it viable for commercial cultivation. Rose cultivation requires low investment but yields significant profits, as each plant can live for 4 to 5 years and produce between 100 to 300 flowers annually. Seedlings from reputable nurseries cost between 12 to 14 taka each. For cultivating roses on 5 kathas of land, the total cost would be around 30,000 to 35,000 taka.
Rose Varieties
There are various types of roses worldwide. Some varieties cultivated in Bangladesh include:
- Papa Meilland
- Mirandy
- Blue Moon
- Montezuma
- Double Delight
- Tata Centenary
- Taj Mahal
- City of Belfast
- Paradise
Steps for Rose Cultivation
Selecting Land and Preparing Beds
Prepare beds in a similar type of land as for marigold cultivation.
Time and Method for Planting Seedlings
Make holes of about 3-4 inches depth, spaced 18 inches apart, across the top of the beds to plant the seedlings. This way, 1,000 seedlings can be planted on 5 kathas of land. The best time for planting roses is post-monsoon, around Ashwin-Kartik or September, though planting can continue until February. If seedlings are planted during this time, the plants will begin flowering at the start of winter. As the soil retains some moisture, less watering is required, which reduces costs. After planting, each plant should be watered gently with a sprinkler.
Irrigation and Weed Control
About 10-15 days after planting, weeds may start to grow. If weeds appear, remove them. The soil may dry out around 15 days after planting, so water the field again if needed, ensuring not to let excess water accumulate at the base of the plants, as this is harmful for rose cultivation. Based on soil conditions, provide water every 10-15 days as necessary.
Fertilizer Application and Additional Watering
For the first 2 months after planting, no fertilizer is required. When new shoots and buds appear, add 50 grams of ground mustard cake at the base of each plant. Additionally, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Triple Super Phosphate or DAP fertilizer around each plant to promote abundant flowering. After applying fertilizer, water the field. Once flowering begins, loosen the soil around 5-6 inches from the plant base with a hoe, allowing sunlight to reach the plant base, and apply organic fertilizer as needed.
Pruning
Twenty days after adding organic fertilizer, apply liquid fertilizer to enhance flower production. To prepare this, take an 18-liter bucket and mix 1 kg mustard cake with 7-8 kg fresh cow dung. After 7 days, dilute this mixture with 4 more buckets of water. Pour 250 ml of this liquid fertilizer at the base of each plant. When buds start appearing, apply liquid fertilizer weekly to encourage abundant flowering.
Prune branches from mid-September to October using a sharp knife or scissors. After pruning, apply fertilizer.
Bud Pruning
Pruned branches may produce multiple buds at once, which can prevent flowers from growing large. For larger blooms, keep only the main bud and remove the other buds with a knife.
Flower Harvesting
Within 3 months, almost all plants will bloom. Cut the blooming flowers every day with a sharp knife, scissors, or blade. Harvest flowers in a way that leaves 3–4 leaves under the flower, keeping it fresh for longer. From 5 katha of land, about 180-200 flowers can be harvested daily. Based on this, approximately 54,000 flowers can be obtained in a year (200 x 270 = 54,000).
Diseases and Remedies
Rose plants are susceptible to various diseases. Here, we will learn about the symptoms and remedies of these diseases.
| Symptoms | Remedy |
| Young leaves curl, and a white powdery layer forms under the leaves. | Mix 1 gram of Benlate, 2 grams of sulfur, and 1 gram of Bavistin in 1 liter of water, and spray every 7–10 days. |
| Dark black spots appear on the edges and both sides of the leaves. | As soon as affected leaves are seen, remove and burn them. Mix 2 grams of Captan or 1 gram of Bavistin in 1 liter of water, and spray. |
| The disease starts from the top of the plant and progresses downward. Stems turn black, and the stems and buds dry out and lose color. Brown circular spots appear on the buds. | Cut the affected part of the stem about 1 inch below the diseased area. Then, spray 1 gram of Bavistin mixed in 1 liter of water on the cut area. Collect and burn the affected buds. Mix 2 grams of Bavistin and 2 grams of Benomyl in 1 liter of water, and spray. |
| Red mites build nests under the leaves and suck sap from the leaves. | Mix 1 gram of Kelthane or 2 grams of Omite in 1 liter of water, and spray every two weeks. |
| Aphids suck sap from the plant and make small holes. | Mix 1 gram of Metasystox in 1 liter of water, and spray. |
Plant Care
To ensure good yield from roses, the following guidelines should be followed:
- For old gardens, remove soil from the plant base before the rainy season.
- Clean weeds in the garden once a week.
- In September-October, apply a mixture of lime and water to the land. This will reduce pest infestation on the plants.
- Once a year, rose plant branches must be pruned. This work should ideally be done towards the end of the rainy season and at the beginning of winter.
- For plant propagation or new saplings, branches, cuttings, buds, or eye grafts should be taken from the parent plant.
- Liquid fertilizer for rose plants should only be used in winter. Care should be taken to ensure the fertilizer does not touch the flowers. After flowers bloom, liquid fertilizer should not be applied.
Profit from Rose Flower Farming
By farming roses on 5 katha of land, it is possible to earn a profit of 50,000 BDT in one year. Below is an approximate breakdown of income and expenses:
Permanent Costs
| As we already know, the estimated cost of permanent materials required for rose flower farming is 6,000 rupees. Considering 20% depreciation, the annual cost of permanent materials is: | 1,200 rupees |
Current Costs
| Land preparation: | 3,000 rupees |
| Purchase of saplings (1,000 saplings at 14 rupees each) | 14,000 rupees |
| Fertilizer purchase: | 4,800 rupees |
| Pesticide purchase | 3,600 rupees |
| Irrigation cost | 3,600 rupees |
| Purchase of baskets, ropes, and sacks | 1,500 rupees |
| Land rent (5 katha land for 1 year) | 500 rupees |
| Total Current Costs | 29,800 rupees |
Total Costs
| Current costs | 29,800 rupees |
| Permanent costs: | 1,200 rupees |
| Total Overall Costs | 31,000 rupees |
Profit
| Flower sales (54,000 flowers at 1.50 rupees each) | 81,000 rupees |
| Total costs (permanent + current) | 31,000 rupees |
| Profit from Rose Flower Farming in 1 Year | 50,000 rupees |
Tuberose Flower Farming
Among popular flowers, tuberose is one of the most notable. Its fragrance and beauty attract everyone. Tuberose is used in almost all kinds of events, and there is a demand for it across the country. Farming tuberose is cost-effective and low-risk. It is very profitable to grow. Tubers or seeds of tuberose can be collected from a good nursery. Medium-sized tubers are sold at 1,000 BDT per thousand. For 5 katha land, 5,000 tubers are needed. The total cost of cultivation, including the cost of tubers or seeds, will be around 8,000 to 9,000 BDT.
Varieties of Tuberose Flower
In our country, two main varieties of tuberose are cultivated: single-petaled and double-petaled. The single-petaled varieties include Rajat Rekha, Singer, Vaibhav, and Rajani. The double-petaled varieties include Pearl, Swarnarekha, and Subhashini. Among these, the Rajani (single) and Subhashini (double) varieties are the most commonly cultivated.
Steps for Tuberose Flower Farming
Soil Selection and Bed Preparation
Tuberose grows well in clayey or loamy soil. Begin by wetting the soil before planting. Use a spade to loosen the soil and make it crumbly. Level the soil and create a bed that is at least 2 inches higher than the surrounding ground.
Planting Seeds or Tubers
At the end of winter, tuberose tubers or seeds should be harvested from the soil. The tubers need to be kept in a shaded place for one month to dry. Afterward, they should be planted in the soil. It is best to plant tuberose seeds or tubers from February to April. However, it is also possible to plant during the rainy season, in May-June. Medium-sized seeds or tubers should be planted in the soil for quick germination and faster blooming.
Use a plow or spade to press the tip of the tool into the soil and draw lines 1.5 feet apart. Leave a row empty every four rows. The bed can be arranged either lengthwise or crosswise. Now, plant the tubers along the line, spacing them 5 inches apart. Ensure that the seeds are planted 2 inches deep in the soil.
Fertilizer Application
After planting the tubers, water the soil thoroughly. Make sure the entire soil is wet, but ensure that there is no standing water, as excess water can cause the tubers to rot when the sprouts start emerging. Within 20 days of planting, the sprouts will appear. Once the sprouts are a month old, loosen the soil around the base of the plants. If there are any weeds or grasses in the bed, remove them.
For 5 katha of land, mix 1.5 kg of urea, 3.5 kg of superphosphate, and 3.5 kg of potash together. Then, spread this mixture around the base of the plants. 25 days after planting the tubers, apply 500 grams of potash fertilizer per katha of land. When the plants are 60 days old, apply 500 grams of urea and potash fertilizer per katha of land. After 4 months and 10 days, apply 700 grams of potash and 25 kg of mustard cake mixed with the soil. After a few days’ break, in the 6th, 7th, and 8th months, apply 325 grams of urea per katha of land.
Watering
When the plants are 2 months old, water the soil again. When the soil dries out, loosen the soil around the base of the plants. From 3 months onwards, some plants will start flowering. As the flowers begin to bloom, water the soil. In hot weather, water once a week, and in cooler weather, water once a month. During this time, apply a mixture of urea, TSP (Triple Super Phosphate), and MOP (Muriate of Potash), or DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizers to the soil. This will significantly increase flower production. Within 4-5 months, all the plants will have bloomed. After all the plants have bloomed, apply zinc fertilizer to the soil. This will help the flowers grow larger and more attractive.
Flower Harvesting
If you plant tubers in the first week of April, you can start harvesting flowers from August. Once planted, tuberose flowers can be harvested from the same land for up to 3 years. After the flowers bloom, cut the flower spike (or stick) as close to the base as possible. Use sharp scissors to cut the spike; this will help new shoots grow quickly from the plant, and the flowers will stay fresh for longer.
It’s best to harvest flowers from the garden in the afternoon. Around 30,000 sticks can be harvested annually from 5 katha of land. To ensure continuous flower production, after 2 years, remove about 20% of the plants from the land and replant them in a different plot. After 3 years, remove all the plants from the old plot.
Diseases and Remedies
Tuberose flowers and plants are susceptible to various diseases. Below are some common diseases, their causes, and remedies.
| Disease Name | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Root Rot | Waterlogged soil at the plant’s base | Mix 4 grams of copper oxychloride in 1 liter of water and apply it to the base of the plants. Additionally, mix urea, superphosphate, and potash, and apply this mixture around the base of the plants. |
| Flower Drop | Phosphorus deficiency in the soil | Apply TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) fertilizer to the soil. |
Profit from Tuberose Flower Cultivation
By cultivating tuberose flowers on 5 katha of land, it’s possible to earn approximately 39,000 taka in a year. An estimate of the income and expenses is given below.
Fixed Costs
| As previously noted, the estimated value of the fixed equipment required for tuberose cultivation is 6,000 taka. With an assumed 20% depreciation, the cost of fixed equipment for 1 year is | 1,200 rupees |
Operating Costs
| Land preparation | 2,000 rupees |
| Purchase of tubers (1,000 tubers at 5 rupees each) | 5,000 rupees |
| Fertilizer purchase | 4,800 rupees |
| Pesticide purchase | 3,600 rupees |
| Irrigation costs | 3,600 rupees |
| Purchase of baskets, ropes, and bags | 300 rupees |
| Land rent (for 5 katha land, 1-year rent) | 500 rupees |
| Total Operating Costs | 19,800 rupees |
Total Cost
| Operating Costs | 19,800 rupees |
| Fixed Costs | 1,200 rupees |
| Total Expense | 21,000 rupees |
Profit
| Flower Sales (30,000 flowers at 2 rupees each) | 60,000 rupees |
| Total Cost (Fixed and Operating) | 21,000 rupees |
| Annual Profit from Tuberose Cultivation |
39,000 rupees |
Flower Storage
After picking marigold, rose, or tuberose flowers from the plant, they need to be stored until they are sold. If all flowers aren’t sold on the same day, keep them in a cool and shaded area at home. For marigolds, place them in baskets and spray them with water occasionally. For roses with stems and tuberose sticks, immerse the stems in water to keep them fresh.
Packaging and Marketing
Harvest marigold, rose, and tuberose flowers in the afternoon. Arrange the harvested flowers in baskets, crates, or trays. For roses and tuberoses, bundle 50 flowers together to create a bouquet and wrap the bouquet’s top with newspaper. These flower bouquets can then be sold at local markets. For long-distance deliveries, flowers can be packed in crates, sacks, or paper boxes. Before shipping in crates, cover the crate opening with a sack and sew around it for security. For long-distance transport of tuberose flowers, wrap each bouquet with a sack for better protection.
Conclusion
Flower farming is a profitable business, with earnings several times higher than the expenses. Those who want to earn high returns with minimal investment can consider flower farming, as it’s relatively easy to learn and requires only 2-3 people. However, before starting, it’s beneficial to consult an experienced flower farmer. Following their advice, you can start flower farming in any open space near your home. Begin by cultivating flowers on 5 Katha (about 0.08 acres) of land. If you have more land, you can grow 2-3 types of flowers on separate 5 Katha plots, increasing the profit potential. Once you start making profits from flower sales, you can explore growing more varieties of flowers.
