Flowers> Tuberose> Harvesting

In India tuberoses is cultivated for production of flower spikes and loose flowers on a commercial scale for the domestic market. Flowers are ready for harvest in about 3-3 1/2 months of planting. August- September is the peak period of flowering. For marketing of flower spikes, the tuberose is harvested by cutting the spikes from the base when 1-2 pairs of flowers open on the spike. Individual flowers which grow at the horizontal position on flowers stalk are picked in the early morning. The spikes are clipped by using a sharp knife/secateur that gives a clean cut, leaving about 4-6 basal portion of the scape so as not to damage the growing bulb.

Harvesting curing and storage of bulbs:

Harvesting stage of tuberose bulb is important for storage of bulbs and their growth. The bulbs are harvested when the flowering is over and plant ceases to grow. At this stage, the old leaves become dry and bulbs are almost dormant. Irrigation is withheld and soil is allowed to dry before digging out the bulbs. After digging, the bulbs are lifted out; the bulblets are separated and used as seed stock for the next season.

The bulbs are graded based on their size and are placed on shelves to dry or cure. The bulbs must be stored or have their position changed every few days to prevent fungal attack and rotting. Curing can also be done by tying the bulbs in bunches and hanging them on frames and walls.

Yield:

Flowers production varies with cultivar and depends upon bulb size at planting time and density planting and cultural practices adopted. Tuberose planted at a spacing of 30 x 30cm with a plant population of 1,11,000 plants/ha yield about 90,000 marketable spikes and 1.8 lakhs flowering size bulbs.