A HANDBOOK ON FLORICULTURE And Landscaping PDF

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A HANDBOOK ON FLORICULTURE And Landscaping K. Vasanthakumar Bulti Merga Program of Horticulture School of Plant Sciences HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter CONTENTS Page Number Numbers 1 Introduction to the basic concepts of floriculture 1 2 World floriculture sector 6 3 Classificati...

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A HANDBOOK ON

FLORICULTURE And Landscaping K. Vasanthakumar Bulti Merga Program of Horticulture School of Plant Sciences

HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Number

CONTENTS

Page Numbers

1

Introduction to the basic concepts of floriculture

1

2

World floriculture sector

6

3

Classification of floricultural and landscape plants

8

4

Propagation of ornamental plants

12

5

Facilities for commercial flower production

18

6

Cut flower production

18

7

Post-harvest handling of cut flowers

21

8

Cultivation of rose

25

9

Chrysanthemum

45

10

Carnation

48

11

Orchids

54

12

Some flowers exported from Ethiopia

56

[1] Gypsophila [2] Statice [3] Freesia 13

Other cut flowers [1] Gerbera

64

[2] Marigold

14

New generation cut flowers

68

15

Dry flower production – A profitable floriculture business

74

16

Bonsai

77

17

Foliage Plants

81

18

Landscaping

83

19

Turf production and uses

104

20

References

110

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO BASIC CONCEPTS FLORICULTURE Definitions of Terms ▪ Horticulture comes from two Latin words ▪ hortus (garden plant) and cultura (culture) ▪ classically defined as the culture or growing of garden plants But as a Science:Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating, processing and marketing of: ✓ Vegetables (Olericulture), ✓ Fruits (Pomology), ✓ Ornamental plants (Floriculture), ✓ Trees and other woody perennials (Arboriculture), and ✓ Stimulants, Spices, Herbs and Medicinal plants [1] DEFINITION OF FLORICULTURE [Wikipedia] Floriculture or flower farming is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. Floriculture crops include bedding plants, house plants, flowering garden plants, pot- plants, cut cultivated greens, and cut flowers. [2] DEFINITION OF FLORICULTURE [Larson, 1980] Floriculture is a branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation of flowering plants, decorative foliage plants, cacti, orchids, succulents, bonsai, ferns, plants grown in containers as well as landscape gardening. In many of the recent literature, Floriculture is referred as Ornamental Horticulture. Ornamental plants are: ✓

either plants as such or their plant parts are: - decorative, - showy, attractive, and - used for both aesthetic and functional purposes. They can be: flowering or non-flowering with decorative nature. Role of Ornamental Horticulture in Present-Day Life ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

The role of ornamental plants in the evolution of human civilization Reaches far beyond food, fiber and medicine Floriculture enlightens us to communicate with others in peace, love Provide harmony and balance in our behavior Ornamental crop culture was earlier considered as an gardener’s activity 1

▪

Now, Floriculture has become an innovative business with viable export potential

The global ornamental crop industry includes:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Florist’s trade: - cut flowers, cut foliage, potted plants, bouquets etc. Production and sale of seeds, bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, rooted cuttings Ornamental plant rental service Plant nursery business and production of tissue culture raised plants Production of flowers for perfumes, essential oils etc. Production of dried flowers and plant parts Landscape and turf grass industry

1. New production centers (a) Africa e.g. Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ethiopia etc. (b) Latin America e.g. Ecuador, Chile, Brazil etc. (c) Asia e.g. India, China, Thailand etc. 2. Traditional production centers a. USA

b. Japan

c. The Netherlands

d. Italy

e. Colombia

Floriculture in Ethiopia ▪ ▪

Ornamental Horticulture started in Ethiopia recently Now-a-days it is increasing and is one of the top export commodity of the country

Opportunities for expansion of Floriculture in Ethiopia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Suitable climate to produce various flower crops Ample resources such as land, cheap labour, abundant water etc. Proximity to Middle East and European markets Increasing domestic market for flowers Government policy and investment incentives

Importance of Floriculture in Ethiopia ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Earns foreign currency Product diversification Job opportunity for the people Encourages supportive industries Promote investment

Important flower crops grown and exported from Ethiopia Roses

Poinsettia 2

Geranium/Pelargonium Lilies Gypsophila Hypericum

Chrysanthemum Carnation Statice Freesia

ETHIOPIA’s FLOWER EXPORTS Ethiopian flower export earnings 2005 2007 2010 2011 2015 • • • • • • •

20 100 140 160 225

million US dollars million US dollars million US dollars million US dollars million US dollars

Floriculture plays a major role in Ethiopia’s efforts to beat un-employment Floriculture is so blooming that in near future, it could even overtake coffee, the main horticultural export commodity Low air-freight cost from Addis Ababa and proximity to European, West Asian, Middle East markets are advantages Carnation stands 4th in flowers exported from Ethiopia, next to Rose, Geranium, Poinsettia >1400 ha under Green House cultivation of flowers and ornamentals in Ethiopia Cool climatic conditions of Ethiopian high lands (with warm sunny days & cooler nights) is ideal for growing cut flowers even in out-door conditions The quality of flowers produced in Ethiopia, being superior than from Kenya and other countries can compete to gain supremacy among flower exporters of Africa

Role of Flowers in Human Life 1. As nature’s gift ▪

Their fragrance and beauty brings joy and happiness

2. As a symbol of grace and elegance ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Most ladies adorn their hairstyle with flowers. Gentlemen put flowers in their pocket to be elegant. To live in a fashionable way Well-made garden reflects the wealth of the owner

3. As a symbol of beauty, love and peace also to convey feelings For instance American Floriculture Society has a quote 3

“Say it always with flowers” To say: Thank you! I love you!

Congratulations!

4. Flowers are important features or items in all religious and festive occasions Usually offered by devotees:In the Mosques, In the Churches Given as:Birthday presents, Wedding gifts, Funeral occasions 5. Importance in perfume and pharmaceutical industries Rosa damascena Jasminum grandiflorum Polyanthus tuberosa Table 1: WORLD’S LEADING EXPORTS OF CUT FLOWERS/ POTTED PLANTS No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Top Ten Cut Flowers Rose Dendranthema (Chrysanthemum) Tulip Lily Carnation Gerbera Freesia Cymbidium Alstroemeria Gypsophila

Top Ten Potted Plants Ficus Dracaena Kalanchoe Dendranthema Begonia Hedera Azalea Saintpaulia Hydrangea Spathiphyllum

ETHIOPIAN FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE After the command economy regime in Ethiopia, the country entertained and introduced a mixed economy where private businesses flourished. Following the emergence and expansion of the private business, the dawn of horticulture farms also came to Ethiopia. Hence, privately owned horticulture farms started to emerge and most of the farms started producing flowers, vegetables, and fruits for local and international markets. Among this the floriculture industry, although only a decade old, has shown significant progress in generating high foreign income and creating huge employment opportunity. The Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency reported that the floriculture sector has generated 276 million USD last fiscal year (2015). Agency Public Relations Office Head 4

Mekonen Hailu said that the foreign currency secured from export of floriculture products has shown a 10.7 per cent increase compared to the performance of the previous year (2014). He said 49,000 tons of roses and 714.5 million flowers (different types of cut flowers) were exported in the given period. He attributed the increase in foreign currency earnings to consistent government support to the floriculture sector, attractive incentives and increase in export volume. The country is becoming a preferred investment hub for horticulture to the conducive investment climate and government incentives, Mekonnen said. Majority of the 130 companies investing in fields of horticulture/ floriculture in Ethiopia are owned by foreigners. Europe is the key destination for Ethiopia’s horticulture products, taking 80 percent share of the exports. Most of flowers grown in Ethiopia are exported to Europe. These are the Netherlands (nearly 90%), Germany, France, Switzerland, also Israel, India and Russia. But Ethiopia is currently looking for the opportunity to expand the variety of countriesimporters, and has already made attempts to advance floriculture products on markets in Japan, North America and other African countries too. And though the flower industry is rather new, it is increasing with a pace up to 500% a year. By 2020 Ethiopia’s flower exports are expected to enrich the countries’ budget on USD 600 million. A lot of different flower species are cultivated, but roses, gypsophila, carnations, chrysanthemums, limonium and hypericum are produced in more amount. Nevertheless, rose is considered to be a flower “queen”, as around 75% of companies grow, export and make a fortune on it. The optimum height for flower cultivation is from 1500 till 2300 meter above sea level. Luckily, Ethiopia has a wide range of height of the land, from 126 meters below sea level up to 4620 meter above sea level. A significant part of the territory of Ethiopia lies within this height range. Besides, the best temperature for flower growing is between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. As far as the country also has many large areas with these climatic conditions, there is a huge potential for creating different companies and organizations, which would produce even more various sorts of cut flowers. The other advantages for developing the floriculture business on flower farms in Ethiopia are the fertile soils which are perfect for flower growing. In Ethiopia the cost spent on producing, transportation and work force are less than in many other African countries and, moreover, much less than in European countries, and simultaneously the quality of cut flowers is really high. This is one of the reasons why Ethiopian flower business is more attractive for foreign investors and, consequently, why floriculture in Ethiopia has attained a peak with such a fast tempo and high driving force.

5

CHAPTER 2: WORLD FLORICULTURE SECTOR The ornamental plant sector is very diverse and includes the production of floral crops such as cut flowers and cut foliage, flower bulbs, potted flowering as well as foliage plants and bedding plants. Global floral production value is estimated at USD 55bn. Tree nursery—the production of trees, shrubs and other hardy plants—is worth another USD 35bn. But whereas cut flowers, cut foliage and flower bulbs are traded globally, mainly from south to north, more bulky live plants, such as potted plants and nursery products, are mainly traded regionally. Equator countries gathering speed Rabo bank’s 2016 World Floriculture Map, published in cooperation with Royal Flora Holland, highlights some key global trends in the very diverse floriculture sector. On the consumption side of the business, the rise of online floriculture sales is definitely one of these trends. Although the US floriculture market is showing signs of recovery, the total global floriculture market is still rather fickle. In Europe, the picture is very varied. The Russian market has been declining, resulting in decreasing and changing cut flower imports. The Netherlands is still a major junction in global cut flower trade, but the four cut flower exporters close to the equator— Colombia, Kenya, Ecuador and Ethiopia—are gathering speed. Colombia is also steaming ahead and has become a frontrunner in cut-flower sea freight. Looking at the future, predictability will become more difficult. Therefore, companies in the global floriculture market must be prepared for the unexpected. Floriculture trade going online Potted plants and nursery products are bought through a wider range of retail channels than cut flowers. However, there is one major trend impacting both categories: the rise of online sales. The market share of online sales of cut flowers in total cut flower sales ranges from 4% in Russia to 10% in the UK. Online potted indoor plant sales already account for 7% in Germany, 8% in Russia, France and the Netherlands and 12% in online retail forerunner the UK. The rising four Equatorial Countries have surpassed the Netherlands (Dutch) The Dutch share in global cut flower exports has continued to decline since we first published a World Flower Map in 2005. Currently, the Dutch share stands at 43% (see Figure 5). As the cut flower production area measures only 4380 ha (both covered and in the open field), the Netherlands is still a major junction in international floriculture trade. However, for the first time the four rising flower stars—Colombia, Kenya, Ecuador and Ethiopia—have passed the share of the Netherlands in 2015 and now account for 44% in global cut flower exports. Just two years ago, their share was 33% (in 2005 it was 25%). While roses are the main cut flower traded by these four countries, Colombia has a relatively diversified product range and is also the largest exporter of chrysanthemum and the second largest global exporter of carnations in the world. 6

Despite low production costs, a favourable climate, large farm size, increasing efficiency and quality, it is a challenge to grow cut flowers in these countries. There is (hardly) any domestic demand, producers have to deal with (a lack of) air freight and high transportation costs, volatile exchange rates, and challenging political and social circumstances. Figure 1: World's largest cut flower exporting countries, 2005 versus 2015

Sources: UN-Comtrade, Royal FloraHolland, Rabobank, 2016 Colombia is the global leader in cut flower exports over sea freight where possible, exporting nations try to move away from expensive and relatively unsustainable air freight. Colombia is leading global sea freight in cut flowers. Part of Colombia’s market share gain in the global chrysanthemum market is related to the use of container shipping. In East-Africa, the infrastructure is not yet developed well enough to boost these countries’ cut flower transportation over sea.

7

Chapter 3: CLASSIFICATION OF FLORICULTURAL AND LANDSCAPE PLANTS Introduction The branch of biology that deals with identifying and naming organisms is Taxonomy. Plants are classified based on the similarities of their characters. Plant taxonomists compare flowering patterns, stem and leaf structures, life cycles, genetic similarities, and many other characteristics in deciding which plants are the most closely related. More than one classification system has been proposed for floricultural plants. Here we will use two of the most commonly used classifications. Classification of flowering plants based on their growth / life cycle 1. Annuals Flowering plants in this classification lives only in one growing season and completes its life cycle in that period. The duration of a cycle varies; it may be a few weeks to several months depending on the species. These flowering plants are useful in landscaping. Some popular annual flowering plants are: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), Marigold (Tagetes spp.) etc. 2. Biennials Plants under this class complete its life cycle in two growing seasons. The first season, it produces only vegetative growth, during the second season it produce flowers, fruits and ends its growth cycle in the second season. Examples: Sweet William, Hollyhock 3. Perennials They are mostly woody species growing for several years through adverse weather conditions (winter, summer, and fall). They continue vegetative growth for long time, flower and fruit in a variable manner and live for a number of years. Examples: Magnolia grandiflora, Delonix regia Classification of Ornamental Plants based on Applications / Uses Flowering plants may be used in a variety of other ways, both indoors and outdoors. They are classified according to the following uses: 1. Cut Flower Cut flowers refer to flowers starting to blossom or flower buds that are cut with stems, branches and leaves to be used for bouquets or decorations. Cut flowers are grouped into two categories (i) “fresh cut flowers” (ii) “non-fresh cut flowers” such as preserved flowers. Typical fresh cut flowers include roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, lilies, gerbera etc.

8

2. Potted plants These plants are adapted to indoor conditions and for home and small gardens. They are grown in containers, usually slow growing, and mostly foliage plants, some flowering plants also used as potted plants. Examples are Sansevieria (Sansevieria spp.), Indian Rubber plant (Ficus elastica), Philodendron (Philodendron spp.). 3. Bedding plants These are annual plants raised for planting outdoors in flower beds. It starts from sowing seeds indoors in the off-season and transplanted later in the growing season. Examples; includes Petunia (Petunia spp.), Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), Pansy (Viola tricolor). 4. Hanging plants These are hanging basket plants either annual or perennial, flowering or foliage rose in decorative containers and hung by elegant ropes from the ceiling in the patio, in the doorway area, or from decorative plant poles. Examples are Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), and Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). 5. Dried Flower These are flowers which are used after being dried for different occasions. These flowers are dried using different preservatives. Ex: Statice, Gypsophila, Straw flower (Helichrysum) 6. Landscape plants Crops which are grown in the garden for beauty and function (a) Lawn: It is an area of grass grown as a green carpet. (b) Ground covers: refers to plants that are low growing and effectively cover the soil in place of lawn to cover unattractive sites. Ground covers can grow in any areas like shady areas and are used to fill bare spots. Eg. Vinca minor, Vinca major, Carex spp., Sedum spp., Echeveria spp., and Dianthus spp. (c) Climbers An annual or perennial herb or a shrub with a special structure- to climb over a support i. ii. iii. iv.

Scindapsus aureus (Money plant) Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) Philodendron scandens Hedera helix (English Ivy)

9

(d) Shrubs Shrubs are plants with woody stem. , usually well branched from or near the base They differ from trees in that they do not have a prominent central trunk. Flowering shrubs Shrubs that have very attractive flowers i. ii. iii.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (red heart), Nerium oleander, Tecoma stans etc

Foliage shrubs: Those shrubs that produce rich and dense foliage that have no flowers. Some of the shrubs in this group produce variegated foliage. i. ii. iii.

Dracaena fragrans (Corn plant), Acalypha wilkesiana Duranta erecta

Shrubs with Bracts i. ii.

Bougainvillea glabra, Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)

(e) Trees: Trees are woody pla...