As Christmas approaches, a significant floral movement is underway from Tamil Nadu to Kerala. Farmers in the Hosur region are preparing for a massive shipment of white flowers, primarily roses, to meet the festive demand in the southern state.
The Festive Floral Pipeline
In the lead-up to Christmas, farmers in Krishnagiri district are set to dispatch an impressive two lakh flowers every day to Kerala. Shipments are scheduled to commence from December 20, according to local cultivators. This annual tradition sees nearly two million white roses making their way from Hosur's greenhouses to Kerala's churches, homes, and wedding venues during the holiday season.
"Every year, nearly two million white roses are sent from Hosur to Kerala," confirms farmer K Somasundaram. He notes that while the vibrant festival of Onam sees a demand for colored petals, the demand decisively shifts to white blooms for Christmas celebrations.
Symbolism and Seasonal Demand Drivers
White roses hold deep traditional significance during Christmas, symbolizing peace, new beginnings, and reverence. This symbolism fuels a substantial part of the demand. However, the season is bolstered by two key social factors.
"Christians living abroad return to their hometown Kerala for the Christmas holidays," explains Somasundaram. "This is also the peak season for weddings, which typically are scheduled between December 26 and January 10." The confluence of family reunions and numerous weddings creates a perfect storm of demand for decorative flowers.
Beyond white roses, other varieties like white japakusuma for stage decorations and white gypsophila (baby's breath) for bouquets are also part of the consignments heading south.
Ideal Geography for Cultivation
The success of this floral hub is no accident. The cool climate and fertile soil of Hosur and its surrounding areas—including Thally, Kelamangalam, Berigai, and Bagalur—provide ideal conditions for flower cultivation. Farmers have strategically planned their crops to match the festive calendar.
This year, anticipating the strong Christmas demand, cultivators have dedicated approximately 500 acres of greenhouse space to white roses. For comparison, colored roses are grown on nearly 1,000 acres. This careful planning ensures a steady supply to meet the specific and time-sensitive demands of the festive season, turning the region's climatic advantage into a thriving economic activity.
