Plant flowering is one of the subjects that always generates doubts and questions because it is a stage where the results of cultivation begin to become visible. This is when you really start to observe if the plant is developing as expected. Therefore, it is important to be aware, keeping an eye on the factors and procedures that influence this period and also on the actions that can be taken to improve plant flowering.
WHAT INFLUENCES PLANTS FLOWERING
Among the factors that most influence flowering are light, photoperiod and pruning. For plants to have a good flowering and develop flowers, as well as fruits, care with fertilization is essential. That's because plants need a balanced source of about 20 nutrients, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. Plants “feed” on these nutrients that must be present in the soil. Its roots absorb these elements through the water in the soil – which calls for careful irrigation and justifies the application of many fertilizers diluted in the irrigation water.
Fertilizers specifically formulated for flower development are often richer in Phosphorus because it is a vital nutrient involved in stimulating, enhancing and establishing flowering in plants. Phosphorus can also help speed up a plant's maturity, being vital in photosynthesis and respiration. In addition, applying Phosphorus at this stage helps to strengthen the roots, which are also important in the flowering stage. After all, it is through the roots that most of the nutrients and water are absorbed to form the aerial parts of the plants.
In addition to phosphorus, other nutrients are essential for plant flowering.
Nitrogen – Needed to a lesser extent in flowering, when compared to the growth phase. But it is still important because of its structural function in the plant, being vital for the good growth of the stem. But beware: excess nitrogen, especially in the flowering phase, can have an effect on lowering immunity and the ability to fruit.
Potassium – It is also important for the production of flowers, acting directly in photosynthesis, essential throughout the development of the plant. Together with Nitrogen, this nutrient is also linked to the ability of plants to absorb water and form proteins. Potassium also acts in the translocation of nutrients between the different parts of the plant. This reinforces its importance in flowering because the plant will need a large supply of nutrients at the tips of the branches, where the flowers usually form.
Magnesium – The use of this nutrient encourages the absorption of CO2, being one of the basic components in the formation of chlorophyll. Magnesium also acts in the formation of plant protein molecules, in the assimilation and migration of Phosphorus and in the content of vitamins A and C. It is also an essential nutritional element for plant growth, both for its essential role in the constitution of chlorophyll, for its active function in the transport of Phosphorus – forming the basis for a good flowering.
Calcium – The nutrient acts on the structure of the cell wall, helping the plant to be resistant to pests and diseases. The lack of calcium will cause the death of the apical buds (the tips of the branches, where the plant is constantly growing, as well as the buds from which the flowers are born) because it also acts in the elongation and cell division, being essential for the growing parts. on the plant. Calcium still has the function of balancing the pH.
In addition to these nutrients, it is also important to check if the plants have a supply of micronutrients such as Iron, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Zinc and Chlorine. If the grower has already reached the flowering stage with his healthy plants, it is very likely that they have enough of these micronutrients because, despite being required on a smaller scale compared to macronutrients, their deficiency can prevent the plant from developing.
