Flowers have an eternal appeal for people who love beauty. As civilisation has developed, people's attraction to flowers has kept growing, and flowers have now become a business. Flower cultivation and use are rising day by day, so you too can beat unemployment by growing flowers.

Flowers can now be grown commercially all over the country. Many kinds can be grown across beels in rural areas, on land beside the house, or even on the roof.

Flowers that can be grown include red roses, white roses, tuberose, corn flower, marigold, beli, kamini, sunflower, diamond, garam fenia, gerbera, ratpusuti, tuntuni, gypsy, star kali, dahlia, cosmos, poppy, gazania, salvia, dianthus, calendula, petunia, daisy, verbena, helichrysum, antirrhinum, nasturtium, lupin, carnation, pansy, aster and chrysanthemum.

Not much capital is needed at first. Costs can be higher or lower depending on the size of the land.

October–November is the right time to sow flower seeds. Seedlings are also sold ready in pots. Pots of 8 to 12 inches are usually enough. Mix plenty of organic fertiliser or compost into the potting soil. Plant the seedlings carefully and water from above with a watering can like rain, so that both plant and leaves get wet. If needed, stake plants that lean and tie them upright. Ensure enough light and air, and take an agriculturist's advice if necessary.

Selling flowers in town can be a hassle, and often the price is not right. So you can set up a flower shop in your own area to sell what you grow.

Flower farming is far more profitable than other crops. It also creates jobs for unemployed women and men, because both can take part in weeding, picking flowers, stringing garlands and much other work.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.