Discipline 02 · Floriculture
Ornamental & Cut-Flower Horticulture
The production and use of flowering and foliage plants: cut flowers, bedding displays, bulbs, houseplants and show plants.
Scope4 work areas
Measured by4 metrics
Standards3 references
Regions16
Palette129 regional entries
What practitioners deliver
- Cut-flower production: planting density, support, harvesting and post-harvest.
- Bedding and seasonal displays: propagation, scheduling and colour planning.
- Bulbs and herbaceous perennials: forcing, naturalising and division.
- Indoor and conservatory plants: light, humidity and pest management.
What is measured
- Stems per m² and stems per plant.
- Days from planting to flowering, and the sale window.
- Vase life in days at a stated temperature.
- Cold-chain temperature from harvest to sale.
Standards and bodies
RHS · Royal FloraHolland · MPS
Across 16 regions
| Region | Climate | Taxa | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Europe Cfb · 7–9 | Temperate oceanic | 5 | Region |
| Continental Europe Dfb / Dfa · 4–7 | Humid continental | 9 | Region |
| Nordic & Boreal Dfc / ET · 1–5 | Subarctic and alpine | 5 | Region |
| Mediterranean Csa / CSb · 8–11 | Mediterranean | 6 | Region |
| US Northeast Dfb / Dfa · 3–7 | Humid continental | 7 | Region |
| Pacific Northwest Csb · 7–9 | Warm-summer Mediterranean | 5 | Region |
| California & Southwest Csa / BWh / BSh · 5–11 | Mediterranean and arid | 6 | Region |
| US Southeast Cfa · 7–11 | Humid subtropical | 10 | Region |
| Tropical Latin America Af / Am / Aw · 11–13 | Tropical | 12 | Region |
| Andes & South America Cfb / Csb / ETH · 6–10 | Temperate and highland | 6 | Region |
| Africa Aw / BSh / Csa · 9–12 | Tropical savanna, highland and Mediterranean Cape | 9 | Region |
| Middle East BWh / BSh / Csa · 7–11 | Arid and semi-arid | 8 | Region |
| South Asia Am / Aw / Cwa · 8–13 | Monsoon tropical and subtropical | 14 | Region |
| Southeast Asia Af / Am · 11–13 | Equatorial | 11 | Region |
| East Asia Cfa / Dwa / Dfb · 4–10 | Temperate monsoon | 11 | Region |
| Australasia Cfb / Cfa / BWh · 7–11 | Temperate and arid | 5 | Region |
FAQ
How do I make cut flowers last longer?
Cut stems in the morning, strip lower leaves, condition in deep cool water for a few hours, and change the vase water every two days. A clean vase matters more than any sachet.
Which bulbs are best for a small garden?
Narcissus and alliums are the most reliable; tulips need good drainage and are often treated as annuals in wet climates.
Why do indoor plants die?
Usually light and water: too little light for the species, or roots kept wet in a pot with no drainage. Match the plant to the window before changing the fertiliser.