Floriculture; a Branch of Horticulture Associated With the Cultivation of Flowering

 

Floriculture, a branch of horticulture, is associated with the cultivation of flowering plants that are widely used in various applications such as decoration, pharmaceutical, and as raw material in personal care and cosmetics industry. The cultivation, through plant breeding, of new species is a large occupation of florists. It includes the planting of trees and shrubs, the growth of hedges, bushes and vines around the house and yard, and the preparation of soil and flowerbeds. The production of floral and garden products is also an important part of this business.

Floriculture which deals with ornamental plants, cut/loose flowers, such as essential oils, dried flowers, succulents, cacti, bamboo, palms, climbers, shrubs, trees, foliage plants, and landscape gardening. Floriculture employs those have knowledge in all aspects of plant propagation, and the environment in which the plants are grown. People involved in this profession should have knowledge in horticulture and be able to identify the various types of flowers in bloom and the conditions under which they grow. They must also be able to judge the quality of the flower, as well as its color and shape.

Moreover, the term includes the cultivation of ornamental plants, house plants, bedding plants, and flowering plants for green houses, gardens, and nurseries. Floriculture also includes the cultivation of flowering plants through seeds, grafting, cutting, and budding. An array of floral products provides market diversity for the floriculture industry. These include flowering garden plants, cut foliage, cut flowers, foliage plants, potted plants, annual bedding, and herbaceous perennials and biennials. Floriculture has become important in many countries worldwide, with around 45 to 50 countries active in large-scale flower production.

The United Kingdom, Netherlands, China, Thailand, and the United States are the top countries in terms of the production value. Horticulture is the fastest growing segment of agriculture within the United States.