This reproductive stage shifts a plant's energy away from vegetative growth and toward the production of blooms. Agronomists and orchardists monitor this window closely because the crop is highly vulnerable to frost, drought, and pests during this time. The success of pollination during this period directly dictates the final yield of fruits, grains, or seeds.
We can't spray any broad-spectrum insecticides on the almonds while they're in flowering, or we'll wipe out the rented hives.
Also heard as
- bloom
- anthesis
Related terms
Disbudding
The physical process of snapping off side buds to force a plant to grow one large flower or fruit.
Early bloomer
A plant variety that produces flowers earlier in the season than its peers.
Late bloomer
A plant variety that produces flowers or fruit later in the growing season than is typical for its species.