Which term describes the production of flowering plants for ornamental use?

• A. Pomology
• B. Olericulture
• C. Floriculture
• D. Horticulture

Answer: (C)

Growing flowering and ornamental plants for decorative use is what floriculture focuses on. This field is all about producing flowering varieties and ornamentals for gardens, landscapes, and cut flowers, including bedding plants, potted flowers, and floral arrangements. That specificity makes floriculture the best fit for the idea of ornamental flowering plant production.

Pomology, by contrast, is about fruit crops, while olericulture centers on vegetables. Horticulture is the broad science of cultivating plants, but it isn’t limited to ornamentals. So floriculture uniquely matches the goal of producing flowering plants for ornamental use.