News » 08.06.2026 - Chinese space-mission commander aims to grow petunias in space

Colonel Zhu Yangzhu, commander of the Shenzhou XXIII mission, said he plans to grow petunias in space during his stay aboard the Tiangong space station.

"I will bring some petunia seeds with me. I plan to plant them once I get aboard the space station and see if they can bloom. I hope they will grow into lovely blossoms.

"I picked petunias because they are fairly easy to grow, and their flowers are quite beautiful. What's more, the blooms give off a vibrant and uplifting vibe, which can cheer people up. Just as we feel delighted seeing flowers and plants growing on home balconies, the same pleasure is even stronger in space. The view of green vegetation, along with blossoms and fruits if they grow, can tremendously brighten our spirits," he said in an earlier interview with reporters at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing before setting out for the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China for the launch on Sunday night.

Zhu, 39, said Chinese astronauts have a "space garden" inside the Tiangong space station. Recalling his participation in the Shenzhou XVI mission, he said he and his crewmates grew plants, mostly lettuce and green onions.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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