Lucknow: The citys 50 top florists might have otherwise pulled down shutters and slept away the lazy summer afternoon in the March-April period, waiting for the marriage season-if only there were no Lok Sabha polls announced.

Its mid-March and bulk orders for marigold and roses from supporters of political parties have started flowing in not only from Lucknow but from Malihabad, Hardoi and Barabanki too.

The average sales turnover for florists taken together in Lucknow region during the lean season of July-August and March is not more than Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh per day. It doubles during polls or in the marriage season to the tune of Rs 2 to 3 lakh as not only loose flowers but even garlands are demanded in bulk (sometimes in lots of 200 and 300) by supporters of various political parties, says florist Vishwajit Singh, who owns a flower shop in the posh Hazratganj area here.

He adds supporters of political parties order huge garlands weighing 20 , 30 and 50 kg at the time of their leaders going to file nominations or during welcome ceremonies all over the state.

Marigold costs from Rs 10 to 12 per kg during the lean season which goes up to Rs 20 to 30 per kg during the busy season. Roses used in the garlands are supplied at Rs 80 per kg and above.

In the mango belt of Malihabad, there is a tradition among people to weigh poll candidates in flowers. In the State capital, poll contestants, especially from Sarojini Nagar, too are weighed by their supporters in flowers, said Singh.

Florists estimate the demand for marigold and roses to rise from April 20 when the marriage season starts. '''Roses are the most expensive commodity during marriage seasons when they are in high demand. Unlike on Valentines Day, when there was a shortage of flowers, poll season may not be short of flowers as sufficient quantities of marigold and roses were expected from floriculture farms within Lucknow,'' added Singh.

As election season has peaked and politicians struggle to make an impression, flower vendors are laughing all the way to the bank. In addition to meeting local demand, flower vendors are rushing to meet orders from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and other cities. ''We are exporting chrysanthemums, lilies, marigold mixed garlands, which can remain fresh for over four days,'' said a vendor Md Yousuifia.

He said the demand for roses, lilies, chrysanthemums and jasmine is on the rise. Lilies cost about Rs 100 per kg (up from Rs 60 per kg), chrysanthemums Rs 60 per kg (Rs 30), jasmine fetches Rs 80 a kg (Rs 70) and marigold is Rs 40 per kg (Rs 20 per kg). A single rose costs Rs 12 as against Rs 8 earlier. The prices of loose flowers at the wholesale market range from Rs 60 per kg to Rs 130 kg. ''Besides wedding season, we make good profits during elections.