The Essential Guide To The Tuberose
Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa
Common Name: Tuberose
General Knowledge: Tuberose, scientifically known as Polianthes tuberosa, is believed to have originated from Mexico, enriching the world with its captivating fragrance and elegant blooms. It is commonly utilised in floral arrangements and bouquets, with its long, sturdy stems and clusters of creamy-white flowers adding a touch of sophistication and romance. The flower is renowned for its intense, sweet fragrance, which is so potent and enchanting that it has become a coveted ingredient in the perfume industry, particularly as a middle note in many high-end fragrances. A fun fact about tuberose is that despite its overwhelming popularity and association with love and sensuality, it is considered in some cultures, especially in Indian folklore, as a flower to be avoided at night due to its strong, intoxicating scent.
Colour Range: Tuberoses typically showcase waxy, creamy-white tubular flowers with a delicate pink blush on their outer petals.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Tuberose is predominantly available from late summer to autumn.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Given their late summer to autumn availability, tuberoses are perfect for late-season weddings and events, adding an elegant and fragrant touch.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes
Imported into Australia: There may be instances where tuberose is imported, especially outside of its usual seasonal availability.
Buying Tips: Look for stems where 70% to 80% of the lower florets are just starting to open, accompanied by a strong fragrance, indicative of freshness. Avoid stems with withering blooms as this can signal over-mature flowers or prolonged cool storage. Opting for stems that have undergone a pulsing pretreatment with a flower food containing 20% sucrose can improve vase life and flower opening.
Design Tips and Advice: As line flowers, tuberoses can be incorporated into a wide array of floral designs. Their elegant stems and fragrant blooms make them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements, and the individual blooms can also be wired for use in wedding bouquets and accessories.
Flower Maturity: Buying stems with 70% to 80% of the lower florets just starting to open ensures you are getting a mature enough product.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, tuberoses can have an impressive vase life ranging from 10 to 14 days.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of tuberoses are usually between 60 to 80 cm in length.
Typical Bunch Size: Tuberose stems are typically sold in bunches of 5.
Floral Preservatives: Use a floral preservative that contains sugar to ensure the buds open fully and to optimise vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Tuberose is highly sensitive to ethylene, so be vigilant in removing any dying florets, as these can produce ethylene and negatively affect the remaining blooms.
Temperature Requirements: Maintain a cool storage environment, keeping the flowers between 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure that all dying florets are promptly removed to prevent ethylene damage. The use of an anti-ethylene agent can also be beneficial.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool environment (2–4 °C) to preserve the longevity of the tuberoses.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Ensure that the tuberoses are placed in clean water with the appropriate floral preservative and encourage customers to change the water regularly.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Given the tuberose’s sensitivity to ethylene, it's crucial to keep them away from fruits and other ethylene-producing products.