Floriculture (sage ability)

Floriculture is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Flowers & Sprigs which encompasses an interest in the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants. Its scope extends beyond mere gardening, delving into flower production and trade. The ability endows the character with the skills to identify flower genera and species, and evaluate the value of these.

The character can effectively sow and nurture a floral expanse covering up to one quarter acre, with attention paid to the prevailing climate. A garden of this size would produce a mass of 500 lb. over a four-month season, from two periods of growth-to-harvest. The land would require regular attention, with 8 hours attention given every 7 days; any period of neglect beyond 7 days incurs a 10% reduction in production; neglect spanning two weeks or more results in the onset of decay, culminating in a loss of 50% of the crop.

Ornamental Cultivation

If desired, singular flowers of exceptional quality can be cultivated indoors within meticulously crafted orangeries. A skilled grower can produce 25 stems per square foot, investing approximately 30 minutes of labor per sq.ft. over a span of 45 to 60 days.

Marketing

Bulk flowers may be sold to a perfumer at market prices, or the character may wish, with further education, to process the weight into essential oils. For specialised flowers, a bundle of 15 stems may be sold for a number of copper pieces equivalent to the character's knowledge points in flowers & sprigs.

See Beekeeping (sage ability)