Flowers grow in wild on their own and do just fine. Primarily water, sun and nutrients are main requirement a plant needs. The difference between killing and caring for any plant should be completely dependent on these three factors.
Floriculture is the branch of agriculture which deals with cultivation of flowers. Furthermore, these are sub divided into different groups, such as
Abstract
Cut flower production constitutes a significant segment of the global floriculture industry, encompassing the cultivation, harvesting, and Post harvest handling of ornamental floral crops intended for decorative and commercial use. The longevity and aesthetic quality of cut flowers are influenced by pre harvest agronomic practices and post harvest physiological processes, necessitating the integration of advanced
horticultural.
Cut Flower Production Practices
These are crucial for producing high quality blooms suitable for the domestic and export market. It covers the Agronomic and Edaphic requirement, crop selection based on demand of market and climatic adaptation.
Netherlands, Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia are major exporter in world. And in India Pune, Bengaluru, Nilgiris, and Himachal Pradesh are key centers. Export potential is rising due to improved logistics and demand.
It’s production practice cover the following step:
Site Selection
Land should be well-drained loamy soil rich in nutrients.
Flat to slight slopy topography for proper drainage.
Adequate sunlight (6–8 hours daily)
Near to the market for easy availability of resources and cheap transport .
Selection of flower crops
Choose crops based on climate, market demand and use.
Such flowers are Rose, Gerbera, Carnation, Tuberose, Orchid, Lily etc.
Propagation Techniques
Sexual {Seeds}: Mainly used for growing annuals like marigold, cosmos and zinnia.
Asexual /Vegetative {Cuttings/Tubers/Bulbs}: Common for roses, lilies, chrysanthemum, tuberose, gladiolus and carnations.
Tissue culture: This method is mostly used for producing disease-free plantlet on large-scale with less time like gerbera and orchids.
Growing Structures
Open field cultivation: Suitable for harsh flowers grown on large, open area exposed to natural environment.
It is cost effective, utilizes natural resources and practiced with sustainability.
Example: Gladiolus, Marigold
Protected cultivation: It include cultivation under Greenhouses or Polyhouses for delicate or exotic flowers, ensuring year-round production and high value flowers.
Flowers are grown under controlled climatic conditions such for temperature, humidity and insect pest attack.
Example: Rose, Carnation, Gerera
Land preparation and planting techniques
Practice deep ploughing and incorporate organic matter {e.g. Farm yard manure or compost}.
Prepare raised bed or ridges.
Plant with varied spacing according to species. Planting may be done manually or by implement. Planting may be done manually or by implement.
Crop Management
Irrigation: Drip or sprinkler systems preferred. Drip is ideal as it conserve water and use water efficiently. Frequency of irrigation depends on climate and soil.
Fertilization: Apply balanced dose of NPK along with micronutrients {calcium, boron} depending on crop type and soil fertility. Fertigation is common at polyhouse.
Pest s Disease Management: Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are essential which include biological control, pheromone traps, neem oil. Pesticide should be used judiciously and rotated to avoid resistance.
Intercultural operation: Include practice like Pinching and Disbudding which enhances flower size and quality.
Harvesting
Harvesting depends on flower and its species.
After harvesting place, it immediately in clean and preservative solution.
Harvest Timing: Early morning or late evening when temperatures are low.
Stage of Harvest: Varies by species
Roses: Bud stage
Gerbera: Fully open
Gladiolus: Bottom 2-3 florets open
Tools: Clean, sharp secateurs to prevent damage.
Advanced Innovations
Include Nanotech coatings (e.g., chitosan/starch) create semi-permeable films that reduce water loss and extend freshness, Heat dips (e.g., warm water at 50 °C for
3 minutes) provide simple disinfestation and delay senescence and Emerging tools:
CRISPR breeding, biosensor-based monitoring, and AI-controlled cold chains.
Post harvest Technologies for Cut Flowers
Post harvest handling is crucial to maintain flower freshness, prolong vase life, and reduce Post harvest losses.
Precooling
Flowers are cooled to 0–5°C immediately after harvest.
Removes field heat and delays senescence.
Immediate cooling by forced-air or vacuum systems removes field heat, reducing respiration and ethylene synthesis.
Cold chain management—maintain 90%+ RH—slows microbial growth, prevents desiccation, and preserves cellular homeostasis.
Grading and Bunching
Flowers are sorted by size, color, stem length, and absence of defects.
Uniform bunches are created using elastic bands or wrappers.
Pulsing Treatments
Pulsing restores carbohydrate reserves and suppresses xylem embolism, improving hydraulic condition.
Flowers are dipped in sugar and biocide solutions (e.g., 3–10% sucrose + silver nitrate) for 4–24 hours.
Provides energy and prevents microbial growth.
Conditioning involves dark-room hydration with acidified, germicide-enhanced solutions (pH 4.5–5), aiding recovery of turgor.
Packaging
Use of corrugated fiberboard boxes lined with soft paper.
Water tubes or moisture-retaining wraps for long-distance shipping.
Use of moisture-retentive sleeves, paper layers, and corrugated boxes protects stems and regulates humidity during transport.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) with lowered O₂ and elevated CO₂
effectively reduces respiration and microbial activity.
Storage
Short-term storage: 0–2°C with 90–95% humidity.
Controlled atmosphere storage can extend life for up to 3 weeks.
Transportation
Refrigerated vans or airfreight for export.
Proper ventilation to avoid ethylene damage.
Conclusion
Cut flowers are a vital segment of the floriculture industry, with high demand in both domestic and international markets. Flowers like roses, gerberas, lilies, carnations, and chrysanthemums are commonly grown for decorative, ceremonial, and commercial purposes. The success of this industry depends not just on quality production but also on effective Post harvest handling to ensure freshness and market value. Cut flower production is both an art and a science. Successful cultivation, combined with modern Post harvest technologies, ensures high-quality flowers reach markets fresh and attractive. This enhances profitability for growers and satisfaction for consumers
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely her / his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS
