Business & Production
What three-letter abbreviation stands for the primary macronutrients shown on fertilizer labels, and list them in the correct order commonly printed on bags?
NPK
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
What measurement describes the amount of soluble salts in growing media that growers monitor to avoid buildup?
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Indicates the concentration of dissolved sales in the media or water.
Which group lists primary principles of floral design such as balance, proportion, dominance, contrast, rhythm, harmony, and unity?
Principles of Design
What is the optimal cool storage temperature range (in °F) for most fresh-cut flowers and foliage, excluding tropicals?
34-36 degree F
What is the botanical term for the collection of petals on a flower?
Corolla
In a floral retail business, what is the term for the difference between the wholesale cost of goods sold and the retail selling price?
Markup
DIF is used to control crop height. What does a positive DIF indicate about daytime and nighttime temperatures?
A positive DIF indicates daytime temperatures are higher than nighttime temperatures.
DIF=Day temperature- night temperature
What is a Hogarth Curve (identify its shape) and what visual effect does it create in an arrangement?
S-shaped line
Produces dynamic movement and balance
What three components are commonly included in a commercial floral preservative, and what is one function of each?
Sugar (Carbohydrates)- Provides energy
Acidifier (citric acid)- Lowers the pH of the water
Biocide (antimicrobial agent)- kills or slows the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water
If a plant or variety is patented, why is propagation (as cuttings) generally prohibited without permission?
The plant patent gives the breeder legal intellectual property rights over that variety.
Give one example of a direct (variable) cost for greenhouse financial planning and one example of a fixed cost.
Fixed Costs: Rent, Bills, or anything that stays the same regardless of how much is produced.
Name the tiny pores on leaves that regulate gas exchange and transpiration.
Stomata
Name three tools or mechanics used to secure material in foam or containers.
floral tape, greening pins, anchor pins, floral glue, stem wire, tape grids, moss, etc.
Explain what an air embolism is in cut stems and one method to reduce the chance of it occurring.
An air embolism is when air enters the xylem of the stem which blocks water uptake.
Place flowers in water immediately after harvest, recut the stems underwater, use clean water and flower preservative.
Define scarification of seeds and state its purpose with respect to germination.
Scarification is used to break the physical dormancy and speed up germination by allowing water absorption, improving oxygen entry, and helps the embryo emerge more easily.
Explain why rose prices typically increase around Valentine’s Day, using basic supply-and-demand reasoning.
Many people buy roses during Valentine's Day increasing demand, however supply is limited therefore there is a price adjustment. Sellers charge more because buyers are willing to pay the higher price.
What greenhouse practice is vernalization, and why is it used for some crops?
Used to make the plants flower, synchronize flowering, schedule crops for market dates, or shorten production cycles.
Define “negative space” within a floral composition and explain why it matters for design.
Negative space is the empty or open area around, between, or within the plant materials in an arrangement.
Prevents overcrowding, enhances form and structure, creates visual balance, adds emphasis and contrast, improves realism and natural appearance.
Why is relative humidity in a flower cooler important for completed floral designs, and give a recommended target range or percent.
Relative humidity is important for completed floral designs because it reduces moisture loss which helps the arrangement stay fresh, hydrates, and turgid.
About 90-95%
List three asexual propagation methods used for roses and indicate which method promotes rooting of cuttings.
Cuttings- sections of the stem are cut and rooted to produce a new plant identical to parent plant.
Grafting- A desirable rose variety (scion or bud) is joined to a rootstock plant.
Layering- A stem is bent to the ground and covered with soil unit il forms roots, then separated.
Rooting hormone is used to promote root formation.
Define the “chain of life” distribution sequence for cut flowers as described by industry standards (grower → ? → ? → ? → consumer).
Grower->Auction/Wholesale->Distributor->Retailer->Consumer
Describe denitrification and its significance for nitrogen availability in greenhouse soils.
Denitrification is a microbial process in which soil bacteria convert Nitrogen into gaseous forms of nitrogen. Significant because can cause loss of plant-available nitrogen, reduced fertilizer efficiency, risk of nutrient deficiencies, and environmental impact.
Describe the difference between mass flowers and line flowers; give two examples of each.
Mass (focal) flowers: are rounded, full flowers used to create a focal area and add visual weight . Ex: roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, peonies
Line flowers: tall, elongated flowers used to establish the shape and direction of an arrangement. Ex. Gladiolus, snapdragons, liatris, delphinium
What is an acidifier pretreatment (e.g., citric acid) used for with some cut flowers and how does it improve water uptake?
An acidifier pretreatment is a solution containing citric acid or similar acids that lower the pH of the water and improve hydration. Improve initial water uptake, reduces microbial growth, improves stem conductivity, and reduces stem blockage.
Explain photoperiodism and give one practical example of how growers use it to manipulate flowering
Photoperiodism is the plant's physiological response to the relative lengths of light and darkness in relation to flowering. (short-day plants, long-day plants, and day-neutral plants).
Growers use it to help schedule crops for specific market dates.