F1 Hybrids
Seeds bred by crossing two purebred inbred lines, to produce plants of exceptional vigor and uniformity.
Falcata
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - shaped like a sickle.
Family
Group of genera that resemble each other by the combination of characteristics more than any other group
Fastigata
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - branches sloping steeply upward, almost parallel to the stem (tapering point).
Fertilisation
Fusion of male and female reproductive cells in the ovule after pollination.
Fibrous root
A root system that branches in all directions with no primary root. New roots grow from the crown of the plant, they are not thick or woody and tend to be a similar width and length.
Filament
Thread - like stem on which the pollen bearing anther is held. See Anther.
Filicoides
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - thread-like or fern-like.
Filifera
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - thread-leaved.
Filiformis
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - in the form of a thread.
Flabelliformis
A latin word used in plant naming meaning - Fan shaped
Floret
One of many small flowers in a dense flower cluster.
Floriferous
A plant that flowers profusely.
Flower
The part of the plant containing the reproductive organs usually surrounded by sepals and petals.
Foliar feeding
Fertilization of plant through application of a fine mist containing diluted soluble fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or kelp, directly to the leaves.
Forcing
To bring a plant into earlier growth, generally by raising the temperature or by transplanting into a warmer situation. Tulips and paperwhites are examples of popularly forced plants.
Friable
Soil of a crumbly texture, able to be worked easily - neither overly clay or sandy but a well balanced soil structure, that drains well yet retains adequate moisture through composted components.
Frond
It is a combination of leave and stem. eg Fern
Fruit
Developed from the floral parts of the plant.
Fruit - False
A false fruit is formed from an inferior ovary and other part of the flower - in most cases the receptacle eg. Apple, Pear, Strawberry and Pumpkin
Fruit - True
A true fruit is formed from the ovary eg. Cherry, plum and orange
Fungicide
Any material capable of killing fungi. Sulfur and copper sulfate are two common mineral fungicides.
Funnelform
Term to describe flowers having a tubular base that widen from base to top, the petal lobes can be quite large and turn back as seen in Hibiscus flowers.