It is hard to find anyone who does not love flowers, and winter brings them in profusion. Flower gardens and nurseries have sprung up across the country, and many people with little space grow flowers in pots. Flowers can easily be grown even in a small space on a balcony, rooftop or yard.

Seedlings and plants of different kinds of flowers are available in nurseries across the country. In the capital, flower nurseries and sales points have grown up at Curzon Hall, Agargaon, Banani, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Khilgaon, Mohammadpur, New Market, Gudaraghat and elsewhere.

The right time to sow winter flower seeds is October to November. Seedlings can also be bought in pots. A pot of 8 to 12 inches is usually enough. Plenty of organic fertiliser or compost should be mixed into the potting soil.

Plant the seedlings carefully and water them from above with a watering can, like rain, so that both the plant and its leaves get wet. If a plant leans over, drive a stick into the soil and tie the plant to it to keep it upright. Make sure the plants get enough light and air, and seek an agriculturist's advice if needed.

Depending on the variety, the plants flower until March. Many people have become well off by growing flowers, and flowers are also exported abroad, earning plenty of foreign currency.

So now is the right time for flower growers and flower lovers to get busy, and fill the winter with blooms.

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