Unit 10: Flowers & Foliage Chapter 23. Unit 10: Flowers & Foliage Unit 10 Objectives: Unit 10 Objectives: Identify types of flower/foliage plants people

Unit 10: Flowers Unit 10: Flowers & Foliage& Foliage

Chapter 23Chapter 23

Unit 10: Flowers & Unit 10: Flowers & FoliageFoliage

Unit 10 Objectives:Unit 10 Objectives: Identify types of flower/foliage plants Identify types of flower/foliage plants

people buy in different times of the yearpeople buy in different times of the year Time from planting to income Time from planting to income

productionproduction Understand watering precautionsUnderstand watering precautions Transplanting indoor flowers/foliage to Transplanting indoor flowers/foliage to

the outdoorsthe outdoors The greenhouse environmentThe greenhouse environment


Flower BusinessFlower Business People buy flowers at different times of People buy flowers at different times of

the year for different reasonsthe year for different reasons


Floriculture contributes $3 b to the economy Floriculture contributes $3 b to the economy each yreach yr

Herbaceous PerennialsHerbaceous Perennials Classified as herbaceous if the top dies back Classified as herbaceous if the top dies back

to the ground each winter, grows new stems to the ground each winter, grows new stems each yreach yr

Classified as woody if the top persistsClassified as woody if the top persists AdvantagesAdvantages

Don’t have to replant each yrDon’t have to replant each yr The flower bed can change colors as one variety The flower bed can change colors as one variety

flowers, then anotherflowers, then another


Not as necessary to deadheadNot as necessary to deadhead DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Only bloom 2-3 wksOnly bloom 2-3 wks Require pruningRequire pruning

May require transplanting every 2-3 yrsMay require transplanting every 2-3 yrs Growing PerennialsGrowing Perennials

KeysKeys Proper soil preparationProper soil preparation PlanningPlanning Occasional maintenanceOccasional maintenance


SelectionSelection Site influences the species grownSite influences the species grown

What might be an example?What might be an example? Most prefer 6-8 hrs sun/dMost prefer 6-8 hrs sun/d May have to consider wind protection for May have to consider wind protection for

taller varietiestaller varieties PlanningPlanning

Color combinationsColor combinations Height coordinationHeight coordination Bloom sequencingBloom sequencing Plan on graph paper carefullyPlan on graph paper carefully


Properly planned perennial gardens will have flowers Properly planned perennial gardens will have flowers that bloom in each seasonthat bloom in each season

Spring, early summer, midsummer, late Spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer/fallsummer/fall

Plant in driftsPlant in drifts Taller varieties to the back to act as a borderTaller varieties to the back to act as a border

SpacingSpacing 6-12” for dwarf plants6-12” for dwarf plants 12-18” for medium sizes12-18” for medium sizes 18-36” for tall plants18-36” for tall plants

Soil PreparationSoil Preparation Good drainage necessaryGood drainage necessary

Don’t want it excessively moist during winter Don’t want it excessively moist during winter dormancydormancy


Incorporate organic matter or peat moss to Incorporate organic matter or peat moss to improve drainageimprove drainage

Prepare in the fallPrepare in the fall Especially good in raised bedsEspecially good in raised beds

PlantingPlanting Usually planted in the spring (Apr – May)Usually planted in the spring (Apr – May) Mail order nurseries will often ship bare-rootedMail order nurseries will often ship bare-rooted

Plant ASAPPlant ASAP Potted perennialsPotted perennials

Plant throughout the growing seasonPlant throughout the growing season If exposed to the outside temps through the If exposed to the outside temps through the

winter – can be planted in early springwinter – can be planted in early spring Greenhouse grown – after last frostGreenhouse grown – after last frost


Cover exposed crowns after planting to protectCover exposed crowns after planting to protect Weed-free bedWeed-free bed Grow best if planted before Oct 1 to ensure good Grow best if planted before Oct 1 to ensure good

rootingrooting WateringWatering

Most need supplemental water until well establishedMost need supplemental water until well established 1”/wk 1”/wk

Once established – only water during dry periodsOnce established – only water during dry periods Water preferred over the soil rather than overhead Water preferred over the soil rather than overhead

to prevent disease and shallow rootingto prevent disease and shallow rooting FertilizationFertilization

Incorporate a 4-12-4 or 5-10-5 @ 2-3 lbs/100 sq ft Incorporate a 4-12-4 or 5-10-5 @ 2-3 lbs/100 sq ft before plantingbefore planting


Established plantsEstablished plants Bone meal, superphosphate (0-19-0) in spring Bone meal, superphosphate (0-19-0) in spring

will be most beneficialwill be most beneficial MaintenanceMaintenance

May have to stake taller varietiesMay have to stake taller varieties Pinching back will produce bushier growthPinching back will produce bushier growth Mulch helps control weedsMulch helps control weeds

Not too much mulch around the crown – will Not too much mulch around the crown – will hold too much moisture, results in diseasehold too much moisture, results in disease

Winter protectionWinter protection Most injured by heaving, not cold tempsMost injured by heaving, not cold temps Mulch will help protectMulch will help protect


Make sure the mulch isn’t too tight or thickMake sure the mulch isn’t too tight or thick Dividing & transplantingDividing & transplanting

Maintains plant vigor & maximum flower productionMaintains plant vigor & maximum flower production Usually every 3-4 yrsUsually every 3-4 yrs Some should never be dividedSome should never be divided

Timing is criticalTiming is critical Midsummer to fall bloom – divide in early spring Midsummer to fall bloom – divide in early spring

before too much growthbefore too much growth Spring to early summer – divide in the fall, after Spring to early summer – divide in the fall, after

foliage diesfoliage dies ProcedureProcedure

Dig hole large enough to catch all the rootsDig hole large enough to catch all the roots Carefully avoid root damageCarefully avoid root damage


Divide outside off first – more vigorous new Divide outside off first – more vigorous new growthgrowth

Clean off all other soilClean off all other soil May want to cut top back to 6”May want to cut top back to 6” Break apart by hand, or with sharp knifeBreak apart by hand, or with sharp knife Replant ASAPReplant ASAP

Diseases & InsectsDiseases & Insects Usually very healthy plantsUsually very healthy plants Remove any dead plant materialRemove any dead plant material

PropagationPropagation From tipsFrom tips Root cuttingsRoot cuttings


Flowering AnnualsFlowering Annuals Will only persist if they reseed Will only persist if they reseed

themselvesthemselves Must be planted each yrMust be planted each yr AdvantagesAdvantages

VersatileVersatile SturdySturdy CheapCheap Easy to growEasy to grow Produce instant colorProduce instant color


Bloom for most of the growing seasonBloom for most of the growing season Allow for experimentationAllow for experimentation

ColorColor HeightHeight TextureTexture FormForm

DisadvantagesDisadvantages Replant each yrReplant each yr Constant deadheading to maintain floweringConstant deadheading to maintain flowering May begin to look worn out by late summerMay begin to look worn out by late summer


UsesUses Fill spaces until permanent plantings are Fill spaces until permanent plantings are

preparedprepared Extending perennial bedsExtending perennial beds Fill holesFill holes Cover spring blooming bulbsCover spring blooming bulbs Fill planters, window boxes, hanging Fill planters, window boxes, hanging

basketsbaskets Plant along fences, walkwaysPlant along fences, walkways Create seasonal colorCreate seasonal color


Site Selection & PreparationSite Selection & Preparation Different species have different Different species have different

environmental preferencesenvironmental preferences Fall soil preparation is bestFall soil preparation is best Ensure good drainageEnsure good drainage Incorporate organic matterIncorporate organic matter Use proper fertilizerUse proper fertilizer

Seed SelectionSeed Selection Buy good, viable seedBuy good, viable seed Old seed is less vigorous, reduced Old seed is less vigorous, reduced

germinationgermination


Buy hybrid varietiesBuy hybrid varieties More uniform sizeMore uniform size Increased plant vigorIncreased plant vigor Better quality flowersBetter quality flowers

Starting Plants IndoorsStarting Plants Indoors Use clean containersUse clean containers Fill to 2/3 capacityFill to 2/3 capacity Plant at proper depthPlant at proper depth Bottom heat is helpfulBottom heat is helpful 60-75º ideal 60-75º ideal Use mild fertilizer after plants begin growthUse mild fertilizer after plants begin growth

Low nutrient content is best at plantingLow nutrient content is best at planting


Planting TimesPlanting Times Wait till after last frost Wait till after last frost <60º soil temp will reduce germination & <60º soil temp will reduce germination &

growthgrowth Sowing Seed OutdoorsSowing Seed Outdoors

Sow in vermiculite filled furrowsSow in vermiculite filled furrows Germination is often reducedGermination is often reduced

Soil crusting reduces water presenceSoil crusting reduces water presence 1/2” depth1/2” depth Easy to overwaterEasy to overwater


Setting out TransplantsSetting out Transplants Can have flowers sooner than growing from Can have flowers sooner than growing from

seedsseeds Buy only healthy plantsBuy only healthy plants Harden off properlyHarden off properly Plant in a hole that will hold all the roots Plant in a hole that will hold all the roots

comfortablycomfortably Setting PlantsSetting Plants

Remove paper from a fiber pot and plantRemove paper from a fiber pot and plant Remove upper part to conserve moisture to around Remove upper part to conserve moisture to around

the plantthe plant Will create a wick effectWill create a wick effect


ThinningThinning Thin to recommended spacing for best resultsThin to recommended spacing for best results

Especially in outdoor-grown plantsEspecially in outdoor-grown plants 8-12” general recommended spacing8-12” general recommended spacing

Ensures proper amounts of:Ensures proper amounts of: LightLight WaterWater NutrientsNutrients SpaceSpace

WateringWatering Water enough to keep soil moist (don’t get Water enough to keep soil moist (don’t get

soggy)soggy) Drip systems are idealDrip systems are ideal


Don’t want to wet flowers or foliageDon’t want to wet flowers or foliage More susceptible to diseaseMore susceptible to disease

MulchingMulching Keeps soil surface from crustingKeeps soil surface from crusting Prevents weedsPrevents weeds

CultivationCultivation Keep soil surface from crustingKeep soil surface from crusting Pull weeds by handPull weeds by hand

Feeder roots from flower to flower may be Feeder roots from flower to flower may be injured if you mechanically cultivateinjured if you mechanically cultivate


Stirs and uncovers weed seedsStirs and uncovers weed seeds DeadheadingDeadheading

Remove spent flowers and seeds podsRemove spent flowers and seeds pods Ageratum, calendula, cosmos, marigolds, Ageratum, calendula, cosmos, marigolds,

pansy, zinnia, petunias, etcpansy, zinnia, petunias, etc StakingStaking

Support for bad weather for tall plantsSupport for bad weather for tall plants 6” shorter than the mature plant6” shorter than the mature plant Begin when they are 1/3 of mature heightBegin when they are 1/3 of mature height


FertilizingFertilizing Ensure proper soil nutrientsEnsure proper soil nutrients

Soil testingSoil testing Prior knowledgePrior knowledge

Add to damp soilAdd to damp soil Apply w/ wateringApply w/ watering

BulbsBulbs Contain embryonic plant & stored foodContain embryonic plant & stored food


Site Selection & SoilSite Selection & Soil Well-drained loamWell-drained loam Use organic matterUse organic matter

PlantingPlanting Bulb planter, hand trowel, or nursery spadeBulb planter, hand trowel, or nursery spade Planted in fall/spring (depending on variety)Planted in fall/spring (depending on variety) Follow depth recommendations for each Follow depth recommendations for each

varietyvariety FertilizingFertilizing

Small amount of fertilizer covered w/ soil on Small amount of fertilizer covered w/ soil on bottom of bed before planting (5-10-5)bottom of bed before planting (5-10-5)

Small amount in the springSmall amount in the spring


Care & FloweringCare & Flowering Dig up after foliage turns yellow & diesDig up after foliage turns yellow & dies Some must be dug each yr to maintain the Some must be dug each yr to maintain the

best flowersbest flowers Tulips, hyacinthsTulips, hyacinths

Others only need to be dug every 3-5 yrsOthers only need to be dug every 3-5 yrs Daffodil, crocus, lillyDaffodil, crocus, lilly

Dust w/ a pesticide to prevent infestationDust w/ a pesticide to prevent infestation Store in peat moss or sawdustStore in peat moss or sawdust

Bulb Pest & DiseasesBulb Pest & Diseases Keep bed weed and trash free Keep bed weed and trash free


Use chemicals only if necessaryUse chemicals only if necessary Forcing BulbsForcing Bulbs

Artificially breaking dormancyArtificially breaking dormancy Pot & store at 40-50º for 10-12 wksPot & store at 40-50º for 10-12 wks Bring into a cool room w/ partial lightBring into a cool room w/ partial light Will then bloom after taken from cool Will then bloom after taken from cool

storage w/in 5 wksstorage w/in 5 wks

Flowering House PlantsFlowering House Plants Several keys to growing good flowering Several keys to growing good flowering

house plantshouse plants


LightLight Know proper light requirementsKnow proper light requirements 5 categories5 categories

Full sun: >5 hrs direct sun/dFull sun: >5 hrs direct sun/d Some direct sun: brightly lit, <5 hrs direct sun/dSome direct sun: brightly lit, <5 hrs direct sun/d Bright indirect light: considerable light, no direct Bright indirect light: considerable light, no direct

sunsun Partial shade: indirect light, various Partial shade: indirect light, various

intensities/durationsintensities/durations Shade: poorly lit, away from windowsShade: poorly lit, away from windows

TemperatureTemperature Constant temps are bestConstant temps are best 60-68º ideal60-68º ideal


Water/HumidityWater/Humidity Water requirements are not as high as we thinkWater requirements are not as high as we think Many die from overwateringMany die from overwatering Water only when they are a little dryWater only when they are a little dry Must have good drainageMust have good drainage Can bottom or top waterCan bottom or top water

General CareGeneral Care 5-5-5 fertilizer will usually provide ample nutrients5-5-5 fertilizer will usually provide ample nutrients Slow release will eliminate risk for burningSlow release will eliminate risk for burning Don’t fertilize a dormant or overly dry plantDon’t fertilize a dormant or overly dry plant Collect dead leavesCollect dead leaves Loosen crusted soilLoosen crusted soil


RepottingRepotting Repot no more than 2” greater than Repot no more than 2” greater than

previous potprevious pot Only after flowers have fadedOnly after flowers have faded Remove damaged/unhealthy rootsRemove damaged/unhealthy roots

PropagationPropagation Depends on type of plantDepends on type of plant Generally leaf/stem cuttingsGenerally leaf/stem cuttings


The Greenhouse EnvironmentThe Greenhouse Environment 3 purposes3 purposes

Controlled environment for plants grown on Controlled environment for plants grown on large scalelarge scale

Grow plants when not possible outdoorsGrow plants when not possible outdoors Extend growing season for plants that would go Extend growing season for plants that would go

dormantdormant Should receive maximum amount of sunlightShould receive maximum amount of sunlight Should control:Should control:

TempTemp MoistureMoisture VentilationVentilation ClimateClimate


Humidity is important to help maintain Humidity is important to help maintain shape & nutrient transportshape & nutrient transport

VentilationVentilation Exchanging air is crucial for optimal growthExchanging air is crucial for optimal growth Ensures proper temp & humidityEnsures proper temp & humidity

Climate affects heating/cooling systemsClimate affects heating/cooling systems FeaturesFeatures

Various base materialsVarious base materials CoversCovers

Glass, soft plastic, acrylic panels, poly panelsGlass, soft plastic, acrylic panels, poly panels


No homework on this unit!No homework on this unit! Exam 3 next timeExam 3 next time

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before you leave!before you leave!

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Unit 10: Flowers & Foliage Chapter 23. Unit 10: Flowers & Foliage Unit 10 Objectives: Unit 10 Objectives: Identify types of flower/foliage plants people