Planting season for Ooty flower show inaugurated

The Nilgiris Collector, Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, inaugurated the planting season for the 128^th flower show at the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Ms. Tanneeru said that the flower show is most likely to be held in May 2026, and that elaborate arrangements were being made to showcase the diversity of plants at the garden. She said that in 2025, a total of 7.5 lakh flowering plants were planted, and that the number of plants would increase this year to 10 lakhs.

This year, to attract the general public and tourists, special ornamental varieties such as Geraniums, Cyclamens, Balsams and many new ornamental flower varieties including Oriental and Asiatic Lilies, Dahlias, Begonias, Carnations, French Marigolds, Pansies, Petunias, Phlox, Zinnias, Verbenas, Sunflowers, Celosias, Antirrhinums, Dianthus’, Asters, Gerberas, Chrysanthemums, Delphiniums, Salvias and Anthuriums are being cultivated.

A total of 275 varieties of seeds and saplings have been procured from countries such as Japan, America, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as from various states within India. Arrangements are being made to plant 10 lakh flower saplings across different sections of the garden, she added.

The Collector also said that in order to prevent damage during planting, protective measures are being undertaken using appropriate supporting structures and methods.

Further, in connection with the event, elaborate arrangements are being made to stack and display 50,000 potted colourful flower plants inside the gallery area of the GBG and the Glass House.

Last year, 22.28 lakh tourists visited the botanical garden. This year, it is expected that around 25 lakh tourists will visit, the District Collector stated.

Also, present at the event were top officials from the State Horticulture Department.