Bloeiinterval

Bloeiinterval, or blooming interval, is the period during which a plant or cultivar produces flowers. It is commonly defined as the time from the opening of the first flower to the fading of the last visible bloom. The term can apply to a single flowering event or to a sequence of bloom episodes within a season. In horticulture, bloom interval helps describe how long a plant remains florally active and is useful for planning garden design, pollination windows, and maintenance tasks.

Measurement and variation: The length of the bloeiinterval varies widely among species and cultivars and is influenced by environmental conditions such as light, temperature, water availability, and nutrient supply, as well as plant age and health. Some plants have a single flush of flowers with a relatively short interval, while others flower continuously or in multiple waves over weeks or months.

Factors: Genetics largely determine the potential bloom duration, but cultural practices can modify it. Pruning, deadheading, and appropriate feeding can extend bloom, while stress from drought, pests, or disease can shorten it. Local climate and seasonal changes often lead to gaps or irregularities in the interval.

Applications: Understanding the bloom interval helps growers time planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pollinator support. It is also relevant for breeders aiming to develop varieties with longer or more reliable flowering periods.

See also: flowering period, phenology, bloom time.