Optimizing flowering time in floriculture: Strategies for year-round production

The ornamental flower industry gradually shifts from conventional cultivation to extended cropping seasons and off-season production to meet market demands. Altering flowering time is highly desirable to ensure high-quality yields at targeted occasions such as festivities and weddings, thereby balancing trade by preventing market oversupply. Flower production is influenced by genetic makeup and a sequence of growth and developmental events. Recent studies highlight the role of specific genes in regulating flowering time and plant vigor, directly impacting yield quality. Key environmental factors such as vernalization, temperature and photoperiod are crucial in determining elite germplasm. While photoperiod control is well-studied in cereals and other crops, research in floriculture remains limited. Growth regulators assist in moderating plant growth, development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, either inducing flowering as a survival mechanism or delaying it under adverse conditions. These responses depend on stimulus intensity, plant developmental stage and cultivar characteristics. Understanding the regulation of flowering provides critical insights into optimizing harvest timing, minimizing market glut and enhancing produce value under varying environmental challenges.