🌹 Introduction: The Queen of Roses
Damask Rose, scientifically known as Rosa damascena, is the most commercially valuable rose variety in the world, cultivated for its:
Essential oil (attar)
Rose water
Gulkand and cosmetics
Ayurvedic applications
This fragrant variety is in high demand in Europe, the Middle East, and Ayurvedic product markets. Its farming is increasingly supported by government subsidies and organic movements.
🌱 Ideal Conditions for Damask Rose Cultivation
Climate
Semi-arid to subtropical
Ideal temperature: 10°C to 25°C
Requires cool nights and dry weather during flowering (March–May)
Soil
Loamy to sandy loam, well-drained
pH: 6.0–7.5
Rich in organic carbon
Regions in India
Kannauj (UP) – attar capital
Pushkar (Rajasthan)
Palampur (HP)
Pune (MH) – for Gulkand
🌿 Popular Varieties
Rosa damascena var. trigintipetala – High oil content
Noorjahan – Government approved, good yield
Jwala – Suitable for rose water and edible products
🧪 Propagation and Planting
Propagation: Root suckers, stem cuttings (15–20 cm long), or budding
Spacing: 1.2 m × 1.2 m
Planting Season:
Rooted cuttings: June–July
Bare-root suckers: February–March
Soil Preparation:
Mix FYM (10–15 tons/acre)
Add neem cake and compost
Biofertilizers: Azospirillum, PSB
🚿 Irrigation and Nutrient Management
First irrigation immediately after planting
Water every 10–12 days during dry season
Drip irrigation preferred
Fertilizer Schedule (per plant/year):
FYM: 10 kg
NPK: 90:60:60 grams (split dose)
Organic alternatives: Vermicompost, Panchagavya, Jeevamrut
🌸 Flowering, Harvesting & Yield
Flowering Period:
Main season: March to May
Harvesting: Early morning (before 8 AM)
Pick only half-bloomed flowers for best oil yield
Average Yield:
1 hectare = 10–15 tons of flowers/year
Oil yield: ~500–700 ml from 1000 kg petals
Rose water: 2 liters per kg petals (approx.)
🐛 Pest & Disease Management
ProblemSymptomsOrganic ControlAphidsBud damage, sticky sapNeem oil sprayPowdery mildewWhite layer on leavesBaking soda + waterRed spider miteLeaf dryingGarlic-chili spray
Tip: Use trap crops like marigold or basil between rose rows.
🧴 Rose Oil and Water Extraction Units
Basic Equipment:
Stainless steel distillation unit
Condenser tank
Collection vessel
Process:
Fill petals and water in 1:3 ratio
Heat and distill for 3–5 hours
Separate oil from hydrosol
By-products:
Rose water
Rose concrete (solid perfume)
Residual biomass used as compost
💰 Profit Analysis
ComponentApprox ValuePetal price₹25–₹80 per kgRose water (lit)₹150–₹300Rose oil (ml)₹2,500–₹6,000Gulkand (kg)₹250–₹400
Annual Profit (per hectare):
Gross Income: ₹4–6 lakhs
Net Profit: ₹2.5–4 lakhs
🌐 Export Market & Certification
Export Countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, UK, USA
Certifications:
APEDA for export
FSSAI for food-grade rose water/Gulkand
Organic NPOP or USDA
Buyers: Essential oil traders, perfumeries, Ayurvedic brands, food processors
🏡 Damask Rose for Gardeners
Use 18–24 inch deep pots
Potting mix: Garden soil + cow dung + cocopeat
Water 2–3 times/week
Can extract rose water at home by boiling petals and collecting vapors
📸 Image Available
Rose farm layout
Oil extraction unit
Profit table
Global export arrows
Organic setup cross-section
🔚 Conclusion
Damask Rose farming is more than flower cultivation — it’s an entry into the luxury perfume and wellness industry. With minimal land, organic practices, and proper connections, farmers can turn petals into gold.
✍️Real Neel
Founder- Farming writers
Read A Desi Gulab (Indian Rose) Farming: full guide 👇
https://worldcrop.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/desi-rose-farming-guide/