With different festivals lining up one after the other, the wholesale prices of flowers, especially jasmine, is all set to skyrocket this season, says A. Ansari, secretary of Coimbatore Flower Merchants Association.

Onam begins on August 27, which also happens to be a very auspicious Muhurta. Varalakshmi Nonbu and Thiruvonam fall on August 28, and there will be residual celebrations on August 29. As a result, flower merchants and farmers are very likely to hike the price Jasmine to more than Rs.400 per kilo.

“Sales were down for the past two days because of rain in Kerala. But, it will double in the next three days. Jasmine flowers that are normally sold at Rs.100 per kilo are now priced at Rs.200. It will very soon go beyond Rs.400,” Ansari said.

Marigold, Vaadaamalli, Jasmine, Oleander rose (Arali), and different varieties of roses are the main flowers to be transported to all over Kerala. Hosur, Salem, Madurai, Periyanayackanpalayam, Sathyamangalam, and Nilakkottai are the main cultivation centres for these flowers.

“The prices of Marigold and Vaadaamalli (Bachelors’ button) have also gone up this time due to acute shortage this year. Vaadaamalli is being sold at Rs.120 per kilo, and marigold at Rs.100,” he added.

He also ensured that none of the flower merchants in Coimbatore stored flowers to meet the seasonal hike in demand. “We have decided that storage facility will adversely affect the market as the flowers won’t be fresh,” Ansari explained.

The Coimbatore flower market, with around 500 members, sells around 4 tonnes on a daily basis to Kerala. This will increase to 40 tonnes during the festive season.