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Abstract
A large number of cut flowers and pot plants are raised from underground parts (bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, etc.) commonly referred to as ‘bulbs’ or ‘geophytes’. A large number of bulbs are imported from Europe, especially The Netherland, which is also the biggest producer of flower bulbs in the world. In India, bulbs are normally grown in open conditions under varied climatic conditions. In temperate regions, the bulbs are planted in spring whereas in sub-tropical climates they are planted in winter. In tropical climates, bulbs can be planted the year round. In North America and Western European countries, the bulbs are forced to produce flowers at will, to match the demand during festivals, that is, Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc. The system by which the cut blooms or potted plants are produced from a storage organ is referred to as ‘forcing’.