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When a flower blooms, it undergoes a fascinating transformation known as flower induction.
This process involves the plant switching from vegetative growth to flowering. But what
exactly happens during this process we wonder? Various factors such as day length,
temperature, and plant hormones can trigger this process. Understanding these parts and
processes is crucial for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The more you learn about it, the
more fascinating it becomes! Let's delve into this topic in more detail.
Important Parts of a Flower
We look amazed at plants and their flowers, but did you know that a flower consists of
different parts? Each has its own role in the blooming process of a flower. Let us list the most
important parts:
- Sepals (Calyx): The outermost parts of the flower that protect the developing bud. They are usually small green and leaf-like parts.
- Petals (Corolla): Often colorful and attract pollinators such as insects and birds. They are located inside the sepals.
- Stamens (Androecium): The male reproductive parts of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament.
- Anther: Produces pollen, which contains the male gametes (sperm).
- Filament: A stalk that supports the anther.
- Pistil (Gynoecium): The female reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary
- Stigma: The sticky surface at the top of the pistil; it traps and holds pollen.
- Style: The stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
- Ovary: Contains the ovules, which develop into seeds upon fertilization.
- Ovules: Located within the ovary, these contain the female gametes (eggs). After fertilisation, ovules develop into seeds.
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What Triggers Flowering?
Now we understand the most important parts of a flower, but what triggers to actually create
flowers? Flower induction (the transition of a plant from vegetative growth to flowering) is
triggered by various internal and external factors. Since it depends on so many different
aspects, it is very difficult to manage and control this process as a gardener. Yet
understanding its factors can help you to help your plant with creating beautiful big flowers.
Photoperiodism (Day Length):
- Short-day plants: Bloom when the day length is shorter than a critical period (e.g., chrysanthemums, poinsettias).
- Long-day plants: Bloom when the day length is longer than a critical period (e.g., spinach, lettuce).
- Day-neutral plants: Bloom regardless of the day length (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers).
- The plant detects the day length through light receptors like phytochromes and cryptochromes, which regulate the flowering time genes. Isn’t that fascinating?
Vernalization (Cold Treatment):
- Exposure to a prolonged cold period can induce flowering in some plants (e.g., winter wheat, biennial plants like carrots and cabbage). This process activates genes that promote flowering after the cold period.
Hormones:
- Gibberellins: Plant hormones that can promote flowering in some plants, especially those that require long days.
- Florigen: A hypothetical flowering hormone now associated with the FT protein. It is produced in the leaves and transported to the shoot apical meristem to initiate flowering.
- Did you know, research has only touched the surface of hormones in plants. There is much more to discover but since its research is very difficult, we do not know the extent of the impact of hormones in plants in general.
Age and Size:
- Many plants require a certain level of maturity, whether in terms of age or size, before they can flower. This is often controlled by internal signals and genetic factors. An example is the Strezilia or Bird of Paradise.
Temperature:
- Apart from vernalization (when flowers start to flower after cold periods like described above), general temperature changes can also influence flowering. High or low temperatures outside the vernalization range can promote or inhibit flowering depending on the species. So typical European summers where one day the temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius, and a day later they are back to 22 can “shock” plants and impact its flowering process.
Genetic Factors:
- A plant's genetic makeup determines its responsiveness to the above factors. Certain genes are crucial for the transition to flowering, such as the CONSTANS (CO) gene and the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene.
Understanding these factors helps in manipulating and optimising flowering in plants, leading
to healthier and more productive growth.
How to help my plant with the flowering process?
General Tips for Bigger and Better Flowers
- Proper Planting: Ensure your plants are spaced appropriately to avoid overcrowding, which can limit their growth and bloom size. Follow the planting depth and spacing recommendations for each species.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. You can improve your garden soil by adding compost.
- Watering: Provide consistent and adequate watering, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease; instead, water at the base of the plants.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pruning and Deadheading: Remove spent blooms and dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and more flowers. Pruning can also help shape the plant and improve air circulation.
- Sunlight: Ensure your plants receive the right amount of sunlight. Most flowering plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed to protect your plants.
Using Hesi Fertilisers for Optimal Blooms
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Hesi offers a range of high-quality fertilisers specifically designed to enhance flower growth.
We have listed them here for you with tips how to use them:
- Purpose: Provides essential nutrients and supports the flowering phase.
- Application: Use Hesi Bloom Complex during the flowering phase. Mix it with water according to the instructions on the packaging and apply it to your plants every two weeks. This fertiliser ensures your plants have the necessary nutrients to produce large and vibrant blooms.
2. Hesi Boost:
- Purpose: A bloom and ripening accelerator that promotes flower formation and fruit development.
- Application: Use Hesi Boost in combination with Hesi Bloom Complex. Apply it during the late flowering stage to enhance flower size and density. Mix the recommended amount with water and apply it to your plants once a week.
3. Hesi Phosphorus Plus:
- Purpose: Provides extra phosphorus and potassium, which are crucial for flower development and provide you kick-ass flowers!
- Application: Use Hesi Phosphorus Plus in the second half of the flowering period. Mix it with water as per the instructions and apply it alongside Hesi Bloom Complex to support the development of bigger and healthier flowers. Phosphorus Plus is given in combination with Bloom Complex. Why not before? Simply, it is not required before this point, the PK levels from the Bloom Complex are fully sufficient. An excessive P and K concentration would hinder the absorption of essential minerals or even cause deficiencies.
4. Hesi Bio Bloom:
- Purpose: An organic bloom stimulator that enhances natural flower production. Our first full Bio product! Use it in combination with the Bio Grow.
- Application: Use Hesi Bio Bloom during the entire flowering phase for an organic approach. Mix it with water according to the recommended dosage and apply it to your plants every one or two weeks.
By following these tips and utilising Hesi products, you can ensure your garden produces
bigger, healthier, and more vibrant flowers, enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space.
Good luck and happy flowering!
- Cultivation Tips : Plant Care , Hesi Products , Cultivation Tips
- Growth period: Bloom