Greenhouse cultivation of roses has evolved into a dynamic and profitable enterprise in the field of modern floriculture. With the rising demand for premium quality flowers in both domestic and international markets, cultivating roses under controlled environmental conditions allows growers to produce flowers year-round with consistency in quality, size, and color. Greenhouses offer protection against adverse climatic conditions, pests, and diseases, thus ensuring a stable production cycle. Furthermore, greenhouse-grown roses are characterized by uniform stem length, rich coloration, and enhanced shelf life, which are critical parameters in the commercial flower trade.
1. Climate and Environmental Requirements
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C; ideal night temperature: 15–18°C, day: 25–28°C.
- Light: High intensity required; use of artificial lighting in winter.
- Humidity: 60–70% relative humidity recommended.
- Ventilation: Essential for disease prevention; use of vents and exhaust fans.
- Shading: Use of 30–50% shade nets in hot climates.
2. Varieties
- Grand Gala
- First Red
- Taj Mahal
- Avalanche
- Sophia Loren
- Gold Strike
3. Propagation
Propagation is mainly done through budding or grafting on rootstocks like Rosa indica or Rosa multiflora. Softwood cuttings treated with rooting hormones in mist chambers are also used. Micropropagation via tissue culture is gaining popularity in nurseries.
4. Growing Medium and Beds
Use raised beds or containers with soil, coco peat, vermiculite, and compost. Hydroponic setups may use rock wool or perlite. Maintain pH between 5.5–6.5 and ensure good drainage.
5. Planting and Spacing
Spacing of 15–20 cm within rows and 30–40 cm between rows is ideal. Maintain plant density of 6–8 plants/m². Mulching helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
6. Irrigation and Fertigation
Drip irrigation is recommended. Fertigation with balanced NPK and micronutrients enhances growth. Nutrient schedules should vary according to plant stage.
7. Training and Pruning
Use vertical support systems. Prune regularly to remove weak shoots and promote new ones. Disbudding ensures single high-quality blooms.
8. Pest and Disease Management
- Pests: Aphids, thrips, whiteflies, spider mites
- Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, Botrytis, black spot
- IPM: Use of biocontrol agents, sticky traps, rotation of pesticides, sanitation
9. Extra Activities for Quality Improvement
- Bud Netting
- Light Management with reflective films and polyfilms
- CO₂ Enrichment (800–1000 ppm)
- Use of Bio-stimulants (seaweed, amino acids, Trichoderma)
- Soil Solarization during summer
- Mulching (organic/plastic)
- Flower Grading for uniform packaging and value addition
10. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest at the tight bud stage in the early morning or evening. Cut stems are placed in cold water with preservatives. Grading, bundling, and cold storage (2–5°C) ensure freshness and longevity.
11. Marketing
Sell via auctions, wholesale, retail, and online platforms. Export to the Netherlands, UAE, Germany, and Japan. Certifications like GLOBALG.A.P improve market access.
Greenhouse rose cultivation, when combined with advanced practices and technologies, offers excellent profitability and long-term sustainability in commercial floriculture.
