How to Grow Nagkesar Flower | Ceylon Ironwood

Nagkesar Flower is a beautiful blooming plant that you can grow both in garden and containers. Here are all the details to help you out!

Meet the Nagkesar flower, an exotic bloom that not only adds aesthetic charm to landscapes but also harbors a treasure trove of medicinal properties that have intrigued herbalists and researchers alike. From its role in traditional ceremonies to its burgeoning reputation in contemporary medicine, the Nagkesar flower is a compelling paradox of beauty and utility.

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Nagkesar Flower Information

The Nagkesar flower is a beautiful and aromatic flower native to the Indian subcontinent. Nagkesar is commonly found in various regions across India, including the Himalayan foothills, the Western Ghats, and parts of central and eastern India. In addition, it is a small evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall and is highly revered in traditional medicine and cosmetics. The Nagkesar flower has a striking appearance with large, fragrant white or yellow petals and a prominent red stamen in the center. It blooms during the summer months, attracting bees and butterflies with its sweet scent.

The flower is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, it is also valued in the cosmetic industry for its skin-nourishing effects. The Nagkesar flower is significant in Indian culture and is used in religious ceremonies and festivals. In addition, it is a versatile plant with various benefits, making it highly cherished in the region.

Botanical Name: Mesua ferrea

Common Names: Cobra’s Saffron, Ironwood of Assam, Indian Rose Chestnut, and Ceylon Ironwood.
The Nagkesar flower is known by different names in various Indian languages. Here are some common names:

Hindi: नागकेसर (Nagkesar)
Bengali: নাগকেসর (Nagkesar)
Tamil: நாக்கிசரம் (Nakkicaram)
Telugu: నాగచంప (Nagachamp)
Kannada: ನಾಗಕೇಸರ (Nagakesara)
Malayalam: നാഗചമ്പ (Nagachamp)
Gujarati: નાગકેસર (Nagkesar)
Marathi: नागकेसर (Nagkesar)
Punjabi: ਨਾਗਕੇਸਰ (Nagkesar)

How to Propagate Nagkesar Flower

The Nagkesar flower can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate this plant:

Seed Propagation:

1. Firstly, collect fresh seeds from ripe Nagkesar fruits.
2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell.
3. Prepare a well-draining potting mix of equal parts soil and compost.
4. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in the potting mix.
5. Water the soil gently to keep it moist, but not waterlogged.
6. Place the pot in a warm and well-lit area, away from direct sunlight.
7. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a humid environment.
8. Lastly, germination usually takes several weeks to a few months.

Stem Cutting Propagation:

1. Firstly, take a healthy stem cutting, about 6 to 8 inches long, from a mature Nagkesar plants.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the tip.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder.
4. Prepare a well-draining potting mix of equal parts sand and peat moss.
5. Insert the cutting about 2 inches (5 cm) deep into the potting mix.
6. Water the soil gently to settle it around the cutting.
7. Place the pot in a warm and well-lit area with indirect sunlight.
8. Mist the cutting regularly to maintain humidity.
9. After a few weeks, roots should develop, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or garden.

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Requirements to Grow Nagkesar Flower

Sunlight

Nagkesar plants thrive in full to partial sunlight, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, they prefer a bright and well-lit location to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Soil

Well-draining and fertile soil is ideal for Nagkesar plants. It prefers loamy soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. In addition, the soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Water

Nagkesar plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during winter to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Nagkesar plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. They are commonly found in regions with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 °C.  These flowers thrive in warm and tropical climates, where they can receive ample sunlight and heat.

It is important to provide proper insulation and protection during colder months to prevent damage to the plants.

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Nagkesar Flower Care

Fertilizer

Feed Nagkesar plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer, once a month. This will promote the flowering in the plant. Avoid excessive fertilization and feeding the plant in winters.

Pruning

Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and size of Nagkesar plants. Prune any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to encourage new growth and enhance flowering.

Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season.

Pests and Diseases

Nagkesar plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, occasional infestations of aphids, scale insects, or fungal diseases may occur.

Monitor the plants regularly and take appropriate measures such as using organic insecticides or fungicides to control pests and diseases.

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