🌸 Jasmine and Crossandra — Production Technology
Jasmine and Crossandra — Production Technology.
Jasmine and crossandra are key loose flower crops in South India, where varietal choice, pruning or pinching schedules, and daily harvest management drive profitability.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Introduction
Jasmine is one of the most important traditional flower crops of India, valued for its intense fragrance. It belongs to the family Oleaceae. Tamil Nadu is the leading state for jasmine production, and Madurai is known as the "Jasmine Capital of India."
Species and Varieties
| Species | Common Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Jasminum sambac | Gundumalli / Mogra | Double flowers, year-round flowering |
| Jasminum auriculatum | Mullai | Star-shaped single flowers |
| Jasminum grandiflorum | Jathimalli / Chameli | Pink-tinged buds, strong fragrance |
Important Varieties
- J. sambac: CO.1 Sujatha, CO.2 Surabhi, Ramanathapuram Gundumalli, Mysore Mallige
- J. auriculatum: CO.1 Mullai, Parimullai, Long Point
- J. grandiflorum: CO.1 Pitchi, Arka Surabhi, CO.2 Pitchi
Climate and Soil
- Temperature: 25-35°C; tolerates up to 40°C
- Rainfall: 800-1000 mm, well-distributed
- Soil: Well-drained red loam or sandy loam; pH 6.5-7.5
- Altitude: Up to 1200 m MSL
Production Technology
- Propagation: Semi-hardwood stem cuttings (15-20 cm) treated with IBA 3000 ppm; also by layering
- Spacing: 1.5 x 1.5 m (J. sambac); 2 x 2 m (J. grandiflorum)
- Planting time: June-July (onset of monsoon)
- Pruning: Annual pruning in November-December to 30-40 cm height; promotes profuse spring flowering
- Fertilizers: N:P:K at 120:240:120 g/plant/year + 10 kg FYM/plant
- Irrigation: Weekly during summer; drip irrigation preferred
Harvesting and Yield
- Harvest unopened buds in the early morning (4-6 AM)
- J. sambac: 8-10 tonnes/ha/year (12 months of harvest)
- J. auriculatum: 6-8 tonnes/ha/year (April-September harvest)
- J. grandiflorum: 5-7 tonnes/ha/year
- Concrete and absolute extracted for perfumery industry (Rs. 3-5 lakh/kg for jasmine absolute)
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Crop | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Jasmine | High-value fragrant crop; species-wise spacing and pruning are critical |
| Crossandra | Loose flower crop suited to warm humid regions with good drainage |
| Harvest window | Early morning harvest preserves freshness and market value |
| Value addition | Strong linkage to garland trade and fragrance industry |
Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
Introduction
Crossandra, known as "Kanakambaram" in Tamil and "Aboli" in Marathi, belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is an important loose flower crop of South India, valued for its bright orange flowers used in garlands.
Varieties
- Local: Trissur Local, Salem Local, Dindigul Local
- Improved: Arka Ambara, Arka Kanaka (IIHR), Delhi Crossandra
Climate and Soil
- Temperature: 20-35°C; frost sensitive
- Prefers warm humid climate with well-distributed rainfall
- Soil: Well-drained red loam or laterite; pH 6.0-7.0
- Does not tolerate waterlogging
Production Technology
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (10-15 cm), seeds |
| Spacing | 30 x 30 cm or 45 x 30 cm |
| Planting time | June-July (rainy season) |
| Fertilizers | N:P:K at 90:90:90 kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha |
| Irrigation | Twice weekly during summer |
| Growth regulators | GA3 at 100 ppm for improved flower production |
| Mulching | Paddy straw or coconut fronds |
Harvesting and Yield
- Flowers picked daily in the morning when fully open
- Yield: 5-6 tonnes/ha/year
- Peak flowering: April to October
- Economic life of plantation: 4-5 years
- Flowers used for garlands, hair adornment, and religious purposes
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
[2]
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