Floriculture Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide has been written with the novice in mind. This book simplifies the fundamentals of floriculture and presents them in a clear, practical, and engaging manner. It aims to remove the intimidation often associated with plant science and replace it with curiosity and confidence. The content covers a wide range of essential topics, including plant selection, propagation techniques, soil preparation, environmental requirements, pest and disease management, and the care of popular flowering plants. Each chapter is designed to build foundational knowledge while encouraging hands on application. This book also introduces readers to the broader importance of floriculture in environmental beautification, mental well-being, and sustainable living. As the demand for green spaces and ornamental plants continues to grow globally, even a basic understanding of floriculture can contribute meaningfully to individual lifestyles and community spaces. This guide is ideal for students, hobbyists, home gardeners, or anyone curious about flowers and ornamental plants.
Dr. Ali Haidar Shah is currently working as a SRF in Division of Floriculture & Landscaping, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. He obtained his Master’s degree from SKUAST, Jammu in 2020 and Ph.D. from Dr. Yspuhf Nauni, Solan, H.P. in 2024. He has published 20 research/review papers in the journals of national and international repute, 5 book chapters, 2 patents, 20 newspaper articles. He is lifetime member of National and International Scientific/Non-government/Agricultural Welfare Societies.
Dr. Rajesh K Pandey is working as a Professor & Head Division of Floriculture & Landscaping, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. He obtained his Master’s and Doctorate degree from B R Ambedkar University, Agra during 1996 and 2001 respectively. Joined as a Assistant Professor (Floriculture), SKUAST-Jammu in the year 2001 and was selected as an Associate Professor in the same Division in 2007. Dr. Rajesh K. Pandey has 25 years experience in teaching, research and extension. Presently he is working on the production aspect of Flower crops and has guided 8 Masters and two Doctorate students. He has published 40 research papers in the journals of national and international repute, 6 book chapters, 3 review articles, 10 technical bulletins, 15 extension folders, newspaper articles and 2 practical manuals 2 patents. As a Principal Investigator, he has successfully completed 3 externally funded projects funded by HTMM(ICAR) and NABARD. Currently heading as a Coordinator of HADP Project on floriculture funded by Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir. He is lifetime member of many national and International Scientific Societies.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar is working as an Associate Professor (Floriculture & Landscaping) in Division of Floriculture & Landscaping at Faculty of Horticulture & Forestry at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha, Jammu from June, 2024. Before joining this University, he worked as an Assistant Professor in Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda Uttar Pradesh for about 10 years. He obtained his graduation degree from Dr. Y. S. Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan, (H.P.) in 2005. He completed his post-graduation in Floriculture and Landscaping through ICAR-JRF from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab in 2007. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Horticulture (Floriculture and Landscaping) through ICAR-SRF from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand in 2011. As a Co-PI, he was associated with several projects, namely AICRP MAP & Betelvine (Volunteer Centre) project from ICAR- DMAPR, Gujarat; Establishment of Hi-Tech Nursery for Promoting Horticultural and Forestry Plants in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh funded by RKVY and “Development of Botanical Garden” for ex-situ conservation of indigenous, rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plants funded by Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda. He is actively engaged in teaching, research and extension in the field of Floriculture and Landscaping from more than 10 years. He has guided 06 post-graduate students and published 37 research papers, 29 popular articles, 03 books, 10 book chapters and 6 practical manuals 2 patents.
1. Introduction to Floriculture .................................................................1
1.1 Definition of Floriculture ..................................................................1
1.2 Scope of Floriculture .........................................................................1
1.3 Importance of Floriculture ................................................................2
1.4 History and Development of Floriculture .........................................2
1.5 Summary ...........................................................................................4
2. Economic Importance of Floriculture .................................................5
2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................5
2.2 Global Perspective ............................................................................5
2.3 National Perspective (India) ..............................................................6
2.4 Employment and Income Generation ................................................7
2.5 Summary ...........................................................................................8
3 Classification of Ornamental Plants ....................................................9
3.1 Classification by Life Cycle ..............................................................9
3.2 Classification by Growth Form .......................................................10
3.3 Importance of Classification in Landscaping ..................................11
3.4 Summary .........................................................................................12
4 Propagation Techniques ......................................................................13
4.1 Introduction .....................................................................................13
4.2 Sexual Propagation ..........................................................................13
4.3 Asexual (Vegetative) Propagation ...................................................14
4.4 Common Asexual Propagation Methods .........................................14
4.5 Summary .........................................................................................16
5. Nursery Management and Production ..............................................17
5.1 Introduction .....................................................................................17
5.2 Layout and Structures .....................................................................17
5.3 Media Preparation and Potting ........................................................19
5.4 Nursery Practices and Records ........................................................20
5.5 Summary .........................................................................................21
6. Greenhouse Technology in Floriculture ............................................23
6.1 Introduction .....................................................................................23
6.2 Types of Greenhouses .....................................................................23
6.3 Environmental Control Systems .....................................................24
6.4 Production Planning in Greenhouses ..............................................25
6.5 Advantages of Greenhouse Technology in Floriculture ..................26
6.6 Challenges .......................................................................................26
6.7 Summary .........................................................................................27
7. Cut Flower Production .......................................................................29
7.1 Introduction .....................................................................................29
7.2 Major Cut Flower Crops .................................................................29
7.3 Cultivation Practices .......................................................................30
7.4 Harvesting .......................................................................................31
7.5 Post-harvest Handling .....................................................................32
7.6 Importance of Post-harvest Management ........................................32
7.7 Summary .........................................................................................33
8. Loose Flower Production ....................................................................35
8.1 Introduction .....................................................................................35
8.2 Key Crops and Their Uses ..............................................................35
8.3 Cultural Requirements ....................................................................36
8.4 Harvesting .......................................................................................38
8.5 Importance of Loose Flower Production .........................................38
8.6 Summary .........................................................................................39
9. Production of Bedding Plants .............................................................41
9.1 Introduction .....................................................................................41
9.2 Annuals and Seasonal Flowers ........................................................41
9.3 Seed Sowing and Transplanting ......................................................42
9.4 Landscaping Uses ............................................................................44
9.5 Summary .........................................................................................44
10. Foliage and Indoor Plants ...................................................................47
10.1 Introduction ...................................................................................47
10.2 Important Species ..........................................................................47
10.3 Growing and Maintenance Practices .............................................48
10.4 Marketing ......................................................................................50
10.5 Summary .......................................................................................51
11. Flower Arrangement and Design .......................................................53
11.1 Introduction ...................................................................................53
11.2 Principles of Floral Design ............................................................53
11.3 Types of Arrangements ..................................................................54
11.4 Tools and Techniques ....................................................................56
11.5 Summary .......................................................................................59
12. Landscape Gardening .........................................................................61
12.1 Introduction ...................................................................................61
12.2 Elements and Principles of Landscape Gardening ........................61
12.3 Garden Features ............................................................................62
12.4 The Landscape Design Process .....................................................63
12.5 Types of Landscape Gardens .........................................................65
12.6 Benefits of Landscape Gardening .................................................65
12.7 Summary .......................................................................................65
13. Protected Cultivation of Flowers .......................................................67
13.1 Introduction ...................................................................................67
13.2 Advantages of Protected Cultivation .............................................67
13.3 Types of Protected Structures ........................................................67
13.4 Crop Planning and Management ...................................................69
13.5 Summary .......................................................................................70
14. Soil and Nutrient Management ..........................................................71
14.1 Importance of Soil Preparation .....................................................71
14.2 Steps in Soil Preparation ...............................................................71
14.3 Soil Amendments ..........................................................................71
15. Irrigation and Water Management....................................................75
1. Methods of Irrigation ........................................................................75
2. Irrigation Scheduling and Automation ..............................................76
3. Water Quality Management ...............................................................77
4. Special Considerations in Floriculture ..............................................78
16. Pest and Disease Management ...........................................................79
1. Major Pests in Floriculture ................................................................79
2. Major Diseases in Floriculture ..........................................................79
3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Floriculture ..........................80
4. Case Example of IPM Strategy in Roses ..........................................81
17. Postharvest Technology ......................................................................83
17.1 Harvest Timing and Methods ........................................................83
17.2 Grading, Packaging, and Transport ...............................................84
17.3 Storage and Shelf-life Extension ...................................................85
17.4 Importance of Post-harvest Technology ........................................86
17.5 Summary .......................................................................................87
18. Marketing of Floriculture Products ..................................................89
18.1 Market Channels and Trends .........................................................89
18.2 Export Opportunities .....................................................................90
18.3 Quality Standards and Certifications ...............................................91
18.4 Strategies for Improving Floriculture Marketing ..........................92
18.5 Summary .......................................................................................92
19. Government Policies and Schemes ....................................................93
19.1 National Horticulture Mission (NHM) ..........................................93
19.2 Subsidies and Incentives ...............................................................94
19.3 Role of Co-operatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) ..................95
19.4 Summary .......................................................................................95
20. Future Trends in Floriculture ............................................................97
20.1 New Crops and Varieties ...............................................................97
20.2 Biotechnology and Breeding .........................................................98
20.3 Climate Change and Sustainability ...............................................98
20.4 Summary .......................................................................................99
References ..........................................................................................101
