Articles
Pruning cut-flower proteas
Article number
1347_11
Pages
71 – 76
Language
English
Abstract
A protea plant has a given marketable shoot production ability through every production cycle.
This is based largely on the time growth is initiated, length of growth season, temperature, water and nutrients that is available to the plant.
With experience it can be calculated in meters per production cycle, per variety.
It is the aim of pruning to distribute this growth to the correct number of shoots, to optimize saleable length flower stem production.
A sound knowledge of the plants natural requirements and ability at a given age, in a given climate, with predictable agricultural practice, and market requirements is thus essential before pruning can be done to target the required yield.
In the cut-flower world, yield is unfortunately not always king, with every market having its own personality, with product use, fashion and timing often more likely to be the dominant forces.
This review will investigate some of the plant requirements, and variations in practice required.
This is based largely on the time growth is initiated, length of growth season, temperature, water and nutrients that is available to the plant.
With experience it can be calculated in meters per production cycle, per variety.
It is the aim of pruning to distribute this growth to the correct number of shoots, to optimize saleable length flower stem production.
A sound knowledge of the plants natural requirements and ability at a given age, in a given climate, with predictable agricultural practice, and market requirements is thus essential before pruning can be done to target the required yield.
In the cut-flower world, yield is unfortunately not always king, with every market having its own personality, with product use, fashion and timing often more likely to be the dominant forces.
This review will investigate some of the plant requirements, and variations in practice required.
Publication
Authors
D.G. Malan
Keywords
cut flower, protea, Proteaceae, pruning
Online Articles (21)