Florists blame early summer for lack of biz

“The produce of jasmine flower has dramatically increased because of the heat. But the lack of water has led the flowers look dull and scattered. So many customers complain that jasmine flowers are not as robust as they normally are,” Harikrishnan, a flower seller from Koyambedu, said.

Roses and tuberoses (sampangi), priced normally at Rs 200 and Rs 400 per kilo respectively, now sell for a mere Rs 60 to 70 and Rs 180, less than half their original values, he explained. Only the Firecracker flowers (kanagambaram) are selling at their normal rate of Rs 500, and is a solace to all flower sellers, said Hari. 

Another flower seller in Koyambedu, Muniswaran, said, “While roses, tuberoses and jasmine flowers are in excess, the production of marigolds (samanthi) has taken a severe hit. They sell for Rs 100 per kilo, but now sell for Rs 300.” Since marigold is among the popular ones used in temple decorations, the increased prices have left customers miffed, added Muniswaran.