Bethande Dube, a horticulturist based in Bulawayo, has successfully turned her passion for growing potted plants into a burgeoning business.
Operating on a half-acre plot in the Trenance suburb, the 33-year-old cultivates a variety of heat-resistant flowers, including zinnias, celosia, dahlias, and sunflowers.
Dube’s foray into flower gardening began with extensive research. Observing the scarcity of local flower suppliers in Bulawayo, she investigated which plants could thrive in the region’s warm climate.
“I’ve always been passionate about agriculture,” Dube explained. “After spending years with potted crops, I delved into flower gardening. Few people engage in this type of horticulture here due to the temperatures, but my research revealed that certain flowers could flourish in this environment.”
Dube found that zinnias, celosia, dahlias, and sunflowers are particularly well-suited to Bulawayo’s hot weather. She plants these flowers between August and September, and they are ready for harvest within a month.
Currently, Dube is working to introduce her flowers to the market, despite some initial hesitation from consumers who are loyal to their existing suppliers.
“I’ve begun marketing my flowers, but some people are hesitant,” she said. “It’s a new product, and they might be wary of switching from their old suppliers.”
