Cultivaristas

Cultivaristas is a term used to describe individuals who actively engage in the practice of selecting, breeding, and developing new plant varieties, often for specific purposes or aesthetic qualities. This practice is distinct from commercial agriculture, although there can be overlap. Cultivaristas are typically hobbyists, gardeners, or plant breeders who focus on innovation and the creation of novel cultivars that may not have immediate commercial viability.

The process undertaken by cultivaristas involves careful observation of plant traits, hybridization techniques, and rigorous selection over multiple generations. They might be interested in developing plants with unique colors, disease resistance, improved yields in home gardens, or novel growth habits. The goal is often to contribute to the diversity of plant life and to share these new creations with other enthusiasts or the wider public.

While professional plant breeders work within established scientific and commercial frameworks, cultivaristas often operate on a smaller scale, driven by passion and personal experimentation. Their work can sometimes lead to the discovery of plants that are later adopted by commercial growers. The term emphasizes the dedication and specialized knowledge involved in developing new plant varieties outside of large-scale industrial contexts. They are custodians of plant diversity and innovators in their own right.