Flower Farming – Profits from Marigold, Rose, Gerbera

 Discover how to grow marigold, rose, and gerbera for profit in India with seasonal planning, open vs polyhouse setup, cost-return guide, and subsidy support.

🔹 Introduction

Flower farming has blossomed into a high-value agricultural business in India. Flowers like marigold, rose, and gerbera are in constant demand for weddings, religious offerings, events, hotels, and export markets.

With the right strategy and minimal land, even a 0.25 to 1-acre flower farm can generate consistent monthly income. This blog provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to:

1. Flower selection by season and climate

2. Differences between open and polyhouse cultivation

3. Cost of input vs expected profits

4. How to connect with florists, event companies, and mandis

5. Government polyhouse subsidy schemes

Let’s turn your land into a blooming profit center!

                                                                          

1. Seasonal Flower Cultivation

1.1 Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

• Best Season: June–July (monsoon), Oct–Nov (winter)

• Climate: Warm, 20–35°C

• Harvest: 50–60 days after transplanting

• Yield: 10–12 tons/acre

• Market Price: ₹20–50/kg (festive season up to ₹100)

1.2 Rose (Rosa spp.)

• Best Season: Round the year in polyhouse, Nov–Feb in open field

• Climate: 18–28°C, sunny days

• Varieties: Dutch, desi, hybrid tea, floribunda

• Harvest: 70–90 days post planting

• Yield: 80,000–100,000 stems/acre/year (polyhouse)

• Market Price: ₹3–8/stem (Valentine’s week up to ₹20/stem)

1.3 Gerbera

• Best Season: Polyhouse crop (12 months)

• Climate: 20–30°C, humid

• Planting: Tissue-cultured saplings

• Harvest: 3 months after planting, continuous for 2.5 years

• Yield: 200–300 flowers/plant/year

• Market Price: ₹5–20/flower (depends on color & season)

Choose flowers based on your climate zone, budget, and target market (religious, wedding, export).

                                                                         

 

2. Polyhouse vs Open Field Flower Farming

ParameterOpen FieldPolyhouse

Setup CostLow (₹5–15/sq.ft)High (₹900–1,500/sq.m)

Weather ImpactHigh (rain, pests)Controlled environment

Crop CyclesSeasonalYear-round (12 months)

Yield & QualityModerateHigh (export-grade possible)

Lifespan (Plants)1–2 cycles2–3 years (especially gerbera)

Polyhouse ROI is higher, but needs government subsidy or loan support to reduce investment risk.

                                                                     

 

3. Input Cost and Expected Returns

FlowerCost (Per Acre)Yield (Stems/Tons)Avg PriceAnnual Gross Income

Marigold₹1.2’1.5 Lakhs10–12 tons₹30/kg avg₹3’3.6 Lakhs

Rose₹2.5’3.5 Lakhs80k–100k stems₹5/stem avg₹4–5.5 Lakhs (open), ₹7–10L (poly)

Gerbera₹4’6 Lakhs (poly)2.5–3 lakh flowers₹8/flower avg₹20–25 Lakhs

Use drip irrigation, mulching, and hybrid seeds to maximize returns.

                                                                           

 

4. How to Sell to Florists, Event Planners, Mandis

4.1 Florist Supply Chains

• Weekly tie-ups with local florists

• Cold-chain supply for metro deliveries

• Offer consistent color and variety

4.2 Wedding & Event Decorators

• Bulk supply for seasonal spikes (Diwali, Valentine’s, wedding season)

• Build WhatsApp catalog + rate list

4.3 APMC & Flower Mandis

• Bengaluru (KR Mandi), Pune, Delhi Ghazipur Mandi

• Requires daily delivery but offers high turnover

4.4 Online Flower Retail

• Partner with Ferns N Petals, FlowerAura, or launch your own D2C bouquet brand

Packaging, freshness, and transport matter more than quantity in the flower business.

                                                                           

 

5. Government Polyhouse Subsidy

5.1 MIDH & NHB Support

• MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): 50–75% subsidy for polyhouse setup

• NHB (National Horticulture Board): Soft loan + subsidy for flower production units

5.2 State Horticulture Missions

• Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana offer 60–80% capital subsidy on structure cost

5.3 How to Apply

• Submit DPR (Detailed Project Report)

• Land ownership or lease proof

• Polyhouse quote, nursery tie-up, planting material source

• Apply via Agri Department or NHB portal

Subsidy is released after physical inspection and verification of installation.

                                                                           

 

 Conclusion

Flower farming is a low-acreage, high-value opportunity that blends nature and business. With proper planning and timely market access, even a 1-acre flower plot can generate ₹10–25 lakh annually, especially with polyhouse crops like gerbera or roses.

Leverage state subsidies, tie-up with multiple buyers, and grow varieties that suit your local climate.

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suggested reading

1.Exotic Fruit Farming in India – High Income from Small Land

2.Saffron (Kesar) Farming – Grow Gold in Your Field

3.Apply for flower farming subsidy under MIDH scheme