As Malika shared in a conversation with a Turmush correspondent, she and her husband send batches of flowers daily to Osh, Bishkek, and Batken. The assortment is impressive: from outdoor perennials with an open root system to potted houseplants. Prices range from 50 to 7000 soms.
According to Sattarova, the flower business is influenced by fashion. Every year, new "trends" emerge. For example, currently, standard roses are at the peak of popularity.
In anticipation of International Women's Day, the main focus is on houseplants. "Leading up to March 8, potted flowers are the most popular — they make the perfect gift. Right now, orchids, anthuriums, and cyclamens are the bestsellers," says Malika Sattarova.
The rose season begins in March. The Sattarov family has 43 varieties of the queen of flowers in their collection. For instance, standard roses grow in the shape of a small tree with a lush crown. There are varieties with thorns and without, fragrant and non-fragrant, as well as the famous Dutch roses. Local varieties are often grafted onto wild rose, making them prickly. Seedlings brought from China are usually thornless and come to market already blooming.
According to Malika, she doesn’t just sell products but also provides comprehensive care consultations: from soil composition to necessary mineral fertilizers. For Malika, floriculture is a legacy. She grew up in a family of gardeners and instilled this love in her husband and five children. "I grew up among flowers. After marriage, I taught my husband this craft. All five of our children help us: they carry water, plant, and load. Our eldest daughter is already a student, but the business remains a family affair. We are busy with flowers both in summer and winter," she shares.
Malika says she is genuinely surprised when someone’s flowers do not thrive. She possesses a rare talent — a "green thumb." "I am surprised when people say a flower has wilted. Everything I plant thrives, even if I just stick a cutting in the ground. Apparently, it’s a gift. If I see an unusual variety that I don’t have, I buy it, regardless of the price. My favorite is camellia, but I love each of my plants," she reported.
On the Sattarov family’s plot, flowers are organized into zones (4–6 acres each). Each plant awaits its season: for example, chrysanthemums and "globes" in 8–9 different colors will be ready for sale in September.
Now, as the snow has just melted in the Kadamjay district, the family is preparing for expansion — a larger greenhouse complex is planned to be built in place of a small greenhouse, so that in spring, the garden can bloom in full force once again.
