How Do Flowers Grow?

Flowers grow on plants, so the answer to this question involves information on the growth of plants in general.

The function of a flower is reproduction. Most plants have flowers that contain both male and female parts so they can produce fruits. Sometimes one plant (Monoecious) has both male and female flowers. Other plants have one plant (Dioecious) that has only male flowers and another plant will have only female flowers. The process of reproduction is pollination and fertilization which leads to the creation and dispersal of seeds.  

Plants have different ways of pollinating. Some are able to self pollinate and these flowers are called Cleistogamous flowers. Some rely on insects and animals, such as bats and birds, to assist in carrying the pollen. The wind is used by Anemophilous flowers to move pollen from flower to flower. Since they don’t have to attract insects or animals to help with pollination, these are usually not very showy flowers.    

Flowering Plants

All plants fall into one of these categories: annual, biennial, or perennial.  Annual means the plant will die after one season. Biennial plants take two years to complete their cycle. They grow roots, stems, and leaves the first year, then produce flowers, fruits, and seeds before they die. Perennials will live more than two years.

Plants need food, air, sunlight, and water to grow. Through the process of photosynthesis, they use carbon dioxide and water, along with sunlight, to make food and release oxygen into the air. They take in water and minerals from the soil through vascular rays into their roots, which then travels throughout the plant by way of veins called xylem.  

Uses of Flowers

Thousands of years ago people ate flowers and today, people still do. Dandelion or chamomile tea comes to mind, as do rose petals in Indian food and the Italian use of the squash blossom. Edible flowers can be used in making many things, including: jelly or jam, tea or wine, pancakes, cheese spreads, and salad dressing. The list is endless as flowers can add color and flavor to your cooking.

There is a whole language of flowers, called Floriography, which deals with the messages communicated through flowers. For example, red roses signify beauty, love, or passion while yellow roses show friendship or devotion. Innocence is shown with daisies, and lilies symbolize life or resurrection, which is why they are used in burials. In some countries, the red poppy is used to commemorate military personnel who have died in war. The iris was named after the messenger of the gods, so it stands for the delivery of a message, and a strand of ivy signifies fidelity.

Reasons to Send Flowers

You may be wondering about some good reasons to send flowers. Here is a list of the best reasons to send flowers:

• To Thank Someone - This can cover hospitality or a big favor someone did for you.
• To Be Romantic - Many occasions call for romance: anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, other special days, or to spice-up a relationship.
• To Say Happy Birthday - Anyone would enjoy a bouquet or plant for their special day.
• To Offer Congratulations - This includes graduation, job promotion, new house, birth of a baby, or engagement.
• To Apologize - Flowers can be helpful if you cannot find the right words to say that you are sorry.  
• To Say “Thinking of You” - This can bring happiness to someone or convey a “get well” wish.
• To Provide Comfort - Flowers are appropriate at any time of loss.
• To Celebrate - Flowers can celebrate a holiday or special day when you can’t be there to join the festivities.

Remember that flowers fit all budgets, are biodegradable, one size fits all, don’t require batteries, are non-fattening, can alleviate stress, are cheaper than marriage counselors, and you don’t have to be 21 to buy them.