“These flowers owing to their ornamental value are much in demand especially during winter season. These flowers are used for decorating party halls and marriage palaces. But then owing to their short life span these flowers had very limited usage period,” says floriculturist Dr Mandhir Singh Aulakh.

Dr Aulakh said by periodic photo control, the day length needed for the flowering of this plant, we can now grow chrysanthemum all the year around.

“In Europe, people prefer to use potted plants instead of cut flowers to adorn their working tables. Keeping that in mind, I have manipulated the growth of chrysanthemum flower so that it can be grown in a pot and can be placed on working tables or kitchen windows,” said Dr Aulakh, who is credited with collecting over 275 varieties of chrysanthemums from all over the country. He also holds a chrysanthemum show at PAU every year.

Dr Aulkah said floriculture is a very good option for secondary income, especially for women and retired personnel. “It’s not also a taxing job. Chrysanthemum is lucrative because it is in demand.”