In the heart of the Samara region, the “Mir Roz” greenhouse complex stands as a testament to the dedication and resilience of local floriculturists. Amidst the February frost, stepping into their facility feels like entering a tropical paradise—warm, humid, and filled with towering rose bushes of various sizes and colors. These “rose jungles” are not just visually stunning but also demand meticulous care, as their thorns can easily prick the unwary. The workers, who affectionately refer to the roses as their “children,” have developed a deep understanding of each plant’s unique character, ensuring they thrive year-round.
The “Mir Roz” facility, located on Obvodnoye Highway in Tolyatti, is a compact and modern greenhouse equipped with artificial lighting, drip irrigation systems, and automated climate controls. These technologies create optimal growing conditions, allowing for the cultivation of 12 distinct rose varieties. Among them, ‘Red Naomi’ is particularly popular for its vibrant red blooms, while ‘Avalanche’ offers a white hue with a pistachio tint, and ‘Jumilia’ showcases petals with opal edging. Each variety has its own set of care requirements, with some being more demanding than others. For instance, the scarlet roses are noted for their beauty but also for their high maintenance needs. Conversely, ‘Miss Piggy,’ with its pink “goblet-like” buds, is cherished for its resilience, minimal thorns, and delightful fragrance, though some customers mistakenly perceive its smaller bud size as a drawback. Another standout is the sunny ‘Penny Lane,’ which, despite its beauty, suffers from cultural superstitions associating yellow flowers with separation.
Interestingly, the most exquisite roses from the greenhouse are those cultivated during winter. While summer yields a higher quantity of flowers, winter blooms are considered superior in quality, boasting larger buds, sturdier stems, and denser foliage. However, as rose bushes age, their productivity declines, prompting the need for periodic renewal of planting material. At “Mir Roz,” rose bushes are cultivated year-round, producing continuously for about four years before being “retired” and sold to gardeners. The greenhouse sources its seedlings primarily from Europe, ensuring high-quality stock. On average, the yield ranges from 150 to 300 flowers per square meter per month, depending on the rose variety.
Despite the high demand for their roses, especially during peak occasions like March 8th (International Women’s Day), “Mir Roz” faces significant challenges that hinder expansion plans. One of the primary obstacles is the escalating cost of utilities. For example, the price per kilowatt-hour has more than doubled, rising from 3.50 rubles to 7.80 rubles. This surge in energy costs is particularly poignant given the greenhouse’s proximity to the Zhiguli Hydroelectric Station, highlighting the irony of producing electricity locally yet paying exorbitant rates. Additionally, the cost of heat has seen sharp increases, further straining the operation’s finances. To mitigate these expenses, the facility employs gas-piston units, affectionately dubbed “GEKs,” which operate on gas to provide both heat and electricity. Moreover, the carbon dioxide generated during this process is repurposed to enhance plant growth—a practice that other enterprises often achieve by purchasing CO₂ separately. Supplementing CO₂ is crucial for photosynthesis, enabling plants to absorb more light and promoting faster growth and flowering.
Greenhouse rose cultivation in the Samara region exemplifies a blend of passion, innovation, and resilience. Growers like those at “Mir Roz” navigate a complex landscape of horticultural demands and economic pressures. Their ability to adapt and innovate not only sustains their operations but also enriches the local floriculture industry, ensuring that the beauty of roses continues to flourish in the region.
