Innovative flower forcing methods for year-round bloom in commercial floriculture

Abstract

Flower forcing is a vital technique in floriculture that enables the controlled induction of flowering in major flower crops outside their natural blooming seasons. This review compiles advances in environmental, chemical, and mechanical methods used for flower forcing in crops such as chrysanthemum, marigold, rose, tuberose, and jasmine. Key factors influencing flowering—temperature, photoperiod, and plant growth regulators—are discussed alongside case studies demonstrating practical applications. Methods like photoperiod adjustment, pruning, application of gibberellins, paclobutrazol, and ethylene-based treatments have been shown to significantly enhance off-season flower production, flower quality, and yield. Flower forcing not only stabilizes flower supply and market prices but also supports farmer income and employment throughout the year. The review concludes that integrating crop-specific forcing strategies can effectively address market demands while optimizing floricultural production systems.