Floriculture: Important One-Liners

• The word Floriculture is derived from Latin words ‘Flos’ (flower) and ‘Cultura’ (cultivation).
• India’s first Flower Auction Centre was established at Bengaluru in 2002.
• The first flower market in India was organized in Howrah, West Bengal.
• Gerbera is commonly known as the African Daisy.
• The scientific name of Marigold is Tagetes erecta.
• Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is commercially propagated through bulbs.
• Rose oil is obtained mainly from Rosa damascena.
• The largest area under rose cultivation in India is in Tamil Nadu.
• Gladiolus belongs to the family Iridaceae and is called the Queen of bulbous flowers.
• Chrysanthemum symbolizes joy and optimism.
• Cut flowers are mainly exported from India to Netherlands and UAE.
• Jasmine oil is extracted from Jasminum sambac.
• Loose flowers are mainly used for garland and worship purposes in India.
• Orchid flowers are famous for longevity and unique structure.
• Anthurium requires high humidity (80–85%) and shade net conditions.
• Bird of Paradise flower is botanically known as Strelitzia reginae.
• Heliconia is popularly known as False Bird of Paradise.
• Carnation performs best in temperate climate (15–20°C).
• Gerbera prefers a soil pH range of 5.5–6.5.
• Chrysanthemum is propagated by terminal cuttings.
• Vase life of carnation is 12–15 days.
• Tuberose is commonly known as Rajnigandha in India.
• Orchids are propagated by tissue culture technique on a large scale.
• Ethylene gas accelerates senescence (aging) of cut flowers.
• Silver thiosulphate (STS) is used as an anti-ethylene compound.
• Sucrose acts as an energy source in flower-holding solutions.
• Photoperiodism influences flowering time in many ornamental plants.
• GA₃ application promotes stem elongation and early flowering in carnations.
• Cytokinins help in delaying leaf yellowing in cut flowers.
• Micropropagation is extensively used for commercial orchid production.
• Hydrogel is used in vase water to maintain flower turgidity.
• Polyhouse cultivation of flowers provides off-season production advantage.
• Gerbera is one of the most profitable flowers under greenhouse conditions.
• Floral preservatives extend shelf life and freshness of cut flowers.
• Ethylene damage in flowers is known as “sleepiness” in carnations.
• Post-harvest loss in floriculture ranges from 25–30%.
• Hot water treatment is given to gladiolus corms to control thrips.
• Marigold acts as a trap crop for nematode management.
• Jasmine flowers open early in the morning and are handpicked.
• Essential oil content in tuberose is around 0.1%.
• Dry flower technology was standardized by NRCOF Pune (now DOGR).
• DOGR Pune is the national research centre for ornamental crops.
• ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru has developed many new flower hybrids for tropical regions.
• Perennial ornamental shrubs include Bougainvillea and Hibiscus.
• Annual flowers complete their life cycle within one growing season.
• Biennial flowers like Hollyhock complete life cycle in two years.
• Rose pruning is usually done in October–November in North India.
• Basal fertilizers for floriculture: FYM + NPK (10:10:10 g/plant).
• Drip irrigation ensures efficient water use in flower cultivation.
• Doob grass (Cynodon dactylon) is commonly used for lawns.
• Topiary is the art of training plants into ornamental shapes.
• Pot-mum is a potted chrysanthemum variety used for decoration.
• Floral Jute Craft is an example of value addition in floriculture.
• Dry flowers retain color longer when dried using silica gel method.
• Jasmine oil is a key ingredient in perfume industry due to its fragrance.
• Rose water is produced through steam distillation of rose petals.
• Marigold extract is used for natural food coloring (lutein).
• Aromatic flowers are used in therapy and cosmetic industry.
• National Horticulture Board (NHB) provides subsidy for floriculture infrastructure.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) promotes protected cultivation of flowers.
• Export-quality roses are mainly produced in Bengaluru, Pune, and Hosur.
• Tissue culture ensures uniformity and disease-free planting material.
• Floral therapy uses fragrance oils to relieve stress and anxiety.
• Cross-pollination in marigold helps in development of new hybrids.
• ICAR–DOGR Pune developed ‘Prajwal’ and ‘Suvasini’ varieties of tuberose.
• ‘Poornima’ is a popular chrysanthemum variety.
• ‘Arka Nirantara’ is a perennial chrysanthemum hybrid by ICAR-IIHR.
• ‘Arka Amar’ – Gerbera hybrid suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
• ‘Arka Swadesh’ – a high-yielding rose variety.
• Flower arrangement can be Western, Oriental, or Modern style.
• Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement.
• Landscaping improves aesthetic and environmental quality of surroundings.
• Vertical gardens are gaining popularity in urban floriculture.
• Terrace gardening is an emerging trend in Indian cities.
• India’s floriculture export value exceeds ₹700 crore annually.
• Cut foliage like ferns and palms are used in bouquets and decorations.
• Aromatic grasses such as lemongrass and palmarosa are part of floricultural aromatics.
• Jasminum sambac is the National Flower of the Philippines.
• Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) is the National Flower of India.
• Floriculture industry provides employment especially to rural women and youth.