FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

What type of plants represents the greatest percent of the wholesale floriculture market?

1. Houseplants

2. Herbs

3. Cut flowers

4. Potted plants

The correct answer is: Cut flowers

The correct answer is that cut flowers represent the greatest percent of the wholesale floriculture market. This is due to their widespread demand in various sectors, including retail florists, event planning, and consumer purchases for occasions such as weddings, holidays, and funerals. The market for cut flowers benefits from their relatively short shelf life, which encourages dynamic buying patterns and frequent replenishment by retailers, leading to higher overall sales volumes compared to other categories. This cycle highlights their importance and popularity in the floriculture industry. While houseplants, herbs, and potted plants contribute significantly to the market, they typically do not match the sales volume of cut flowers. The market demand for cut flowers tends to focus on aesthetics and immediacy, driving higher turnover rates and sales compared to the often slower-moving segments of plants that are grown for long-term use or consumption.