Rajnigandha (tuberose) is prized for its lovely white, elongated flowers and calming, sweet scent. These flowers only bloom at night, unlike most flowers, hence their name, Rajnigandha, roughly translates to "fragrant at night."
These flowers, which are widely used in India for decorations and auspicious events like poojas and weddings, are thought to have originated in Mexico and were brought to India by the early Portuguese settlers.
Based on how many rows of petals it contains, the perennial plant rajnigandha has four different types.
Growing Rajnigandha at Home
Gather Bulbs to Plant
Rajnigandha bulbs grow abundantly underground and are so widely accessible. From a nursery or someone who already grows them, you can gather a few high-quality bulbs.
Needs Bright Sunlight
Finding a spot in the yard or balcony that receives enough direct sunshine for at least five to six hours a day is crucial because they are sun-loving plants.
Well Draining Soil & Container
Make sure the soil or container drains well before planting the bulbs, whether in the ground or in a pot. He adds that any pot larger than eight inches would be ideal for planting rajnigandha, warning that failure to do so could result in the water stagnating and the bulbs decaying.
The Ideal Potting Mixture
You can also make a potting mixture by mixing coco peat, red soil, and compost in a 2:1:1 ratio. Almost all garden plants, especially blooming plants, respond favorably to this mixture. Animal manure, such as cow dung, can also be used in place of compost, adds Sriram.
Plant It Properly
Make sure to leave adequate room between each bulb while planting rajnigandha so that they can all receive the nutrition they need to grow healthily.
Avoid Overwatering
Water the soil well after planting the bulbs to ensure that it is sufficiently moist for plant germination. When it starts to grow, only water it when the soil appears dry.
This is so because these plants are bulb plants, which have internal water storage. After determining the soil's moisture level, water the plant. Be careful not to overwater it. Gardeners advise watering once or twice a week; if it is raining, there is no need to water.
Eliminating Pests
The sole defense against pests like snails or slugs is to hand remove them from the area if they attack.
Rajnigandha should be planted between the months of March and September. The absence of warmth and sunlight during the winter causes it to remain dormant.
The plant needs between 90 and 120 days to blossom. It will continue to bloom continually for up to three to four months once it begins to flower.
The multiplied bulbs remain alive at the end of the flowering season even when the leaves and shoots have dried. These bulbs can be collected, cleaned, and saved for use the following season.
