Mysuru: This season, the flower fields of Gundlupet are awash with marigolds (jamanthi), promising a steady flow of flowers from Karnataka to Kerala as Onam approaches. Vast stretches of deep yellow and orange marigold fields now extend for kilometres.

Kerala has traditionally sourced Onam flowers from places such as Gundlupet, Thovalai, Hosur and Mysuru. With Thiruvonam approaching, tonnes of yellow and orange marigolds, along with globe amaranths (vaadamalli), are expected to arrive in Kerala from Gundlupet.

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Orange and yellow marigolds are in particularly high demand during the Onam season. Last year, orange marigolds were priced at around Rs 60 a kg, while yellow marigolds fetched around Rs 140 a kg. Prices are expected to rise slightly this year, as poor monsoon rains in Karnataka have forced farmers to spend more on irrigation and other inputs.

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Flowers from Gundlupet first reach neighbouring Wayanad, where prices tend to be slightly lower. From there, they make their way to markets across Kerala.

In the flower markets of Kannur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod, Gundlupet flowers are among the most sought-after varieties during the Onam season. Flowers are also transported to Kerala from Bengaluru, although they generally cost a little more.