General Description/History

Tuberose stems bear long spikes with several double cream-coloured flowers opening from the bottom of the spike up. The tight buds at the top of each spike rarely open. Flowers are about 2 to 3 cm long, trumpet-shaped and have 6 petals that fold back while opening. While there is nothing overly special about the flower display, the scent these flowers give off is extraordinary and is the main reason for their popularity.

These flowers are only available in summer, and are most commonly grown in glasshouses or polyhouses. Imported stock from India and Asia is sometimes available in August and September.

Language: ‘illicit pleasures’

What to look for

• Two to four lower flowers are fully open;
• Bunches with strong scent;
• Avoid bunches with wilted or brown flowers or floppy stems.

Flower Care

1. Don’t refrigerate.
2. Strip all leaves from the lower half of each stem.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in warm water immediately to help open buds.
4. Preservative is essential – this will help open buds and maintain perfume.
5. Replace water every day.
6. Tuberose are very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.
7. Remove lower flowers as they wilt and die, as they are a source of ethylene.
8. You can nip the top bud off each spike as this can help reduce stem curving.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Tuberose are also grown commercially for their fragrant oil, which is used in the perfume and cosmetics industry.

Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa

Common Names: Tuberose

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Country of Origin: Mexico

Available Colours: Cream, White

Season: Summer

Availability: January,February,Decemeber