Growers in southern Bangladesh are gearing up for a stronger winter season after a tough year, and they say new plans and more land will help them bounce back. They have started raising a wide range of winter flower seedlings earlier than before and are using extra fields to grow more varieties. Nursery owners and farm workers report they expect to sell around five million seedlings this season, a goal that would bring in roughly ten crore taka if sales go as hoped. Prices for seedlings vary by type and size, and can range from twenty taka for common small plants to as much as two hundred and fifty taka for larger or special varieties. Those raising seedlings named a long list of flowers in steady demand, including marigold, dahlia, zinnia, cosmos, chrysanthemum, rose, gerbera, petunia, jasmine, gladiolus, tuberose, tulip, daisy, dianthus, lotus, carnation, sunflower and star petunia. Many of these plants are already showing strong growth at nursery sites in Nesarabad and Banaripara upazilas, where winter seedling cultivation is now in full swing and young plants have reached about one foot tall. Farmers said last season’s sales were weaker than expected and left some households short of income. Wholesale buyers were fewer last year, and that hurt the market for seedlings and cuttings. To avoid the same outcome, growers have added more varieties and increased production so they can supply a wider range of customers and meet demand at different price levels. Local traders and nursery managers are organizing better packing and sorting so plants reach markets in good condition. They hope cleaner packing and clearer pricing will attract more buyers and demand across city shops and markets. Community groups and traders are staying positive about the season because flowers are used throughout the year for homes, events and local festivals, and demand usually rises during special days and celebrations. By growing more types of plants, families can spread risk and sell to different buyers, from vendors to larger wholesalers. Growers say this mix of small and large buyers helps keep cash flowing during the season and gives farms more stable income. Even small improvements in price or sales can make a big difference for families that rely on seedling production. Many growers report learning new ways to care for seedlings and protect them from pests and cold weather, which helps plants look healthy when they are sold. The warm mood at nurseries is hopeful as workers check rows of bright seedlings and plan deliveries. With more land in use, more types to offer, and attention to handling, growers are hopeful this winter season will be better than the last and help restore earnings in the flower community.
