A composite photograph showcasing new rose varieties in the Rose Cultivation Demonstration Garden at the Modern Agricultural Park in Anning City, Yunnan Province. By Hu Chao from Xinhua 

 In the late autumn season, 

the rose blossoms in the 

Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, 

showcase their breathtaking beauty. 

These roses differ in plant size 

and color from ordinary ones. 

Tian Liantong, a technician from Yunnan Jinke Horticulture Engineering Research Center Ltd., explains that they were cultivated from seeds that had traveled in the Shenzhou manned spacecraft in outer space, earning them the nickname "roses from the stars."

Roses are in full bloom at the modern agricultural park in Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua

Tian Liantong (left) exchanged ideas with colleagues at the Rose Cultivation Demonstration Garden in the Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua

In August 2022, after their space journey, a total of 21 combinations and over 8,000 fresh flower seeds arrived at Yunnan Jinke Horticulture Engineering Research Center Ltd. Following procedures such as disinfection, refrigeration, germination, and sowing, more than 1,200 seeds from 12 combinations successfully bloomed.

Tian Liantong took photographs of roses at the Rose Cultivation Demonstration Garden in the Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua

Tian Liantong mentioned that space breeding is an important technique for cultivating new flower varieties, as it allows for expanded genetic variations and increases the possibility of new varieties. In modern greenhouses, technicians can regulate temperature, humidity, and nutrient supply, providing precise growth conditions for the flowers. However, before entering the large-scale propagation and trial planting stage, they have to go through three seasonal cycles. "They have to withstand high temperatures and disease challenges in summer and pass the cold resistance test in winter. If they don't perform well, they will be eliminated," explained Tian Liantong. It is important to note that most of the flowers available in the market have undergone breeding for over five years in the laboratory, and some varieties even began selection work over a decade ago. Therefore, it is not easy for a new flower variety to become a commercial product available in the market.

Tian Liantong (left) pruned rose bushes at the Rose Cultivation Demonstration Garden in the Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua

Tian Liantong observed roses at the Rose Cultivation Demonstration Garden in the Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua

Sprouted space seeds in Yunnan Jinko Horticulture Engineering Research Center (photo taken on April 3). By Hu Chao from Xinhua 

It is understood that Yunnan is home to over 5,000 species of wild flowers and ornamental plants. In recent years, the local government, research institutions, and enterprises have collaborated to cultivate a rich variety of flowers. By the end of 2022, Yunnan had obtained national authorization and registered over 950 independently cultivated new flower varieties, as well as introduced and promoted over 1,000 new varieties within the province.

Tian Liantong recorded the number of petals and stem lengths of roses on the observation sheet at the rose cultivation demonstration garden in the Modern Agricultural Park of Anning City, Yunnan Province (photo taken on October 20). By Hu Chao from Xinhua 

(Editors: Rachel, Amy)