
Most vegetable plants flower, but the reasons why vary. Some flower to set and create the fruit. Others flower when the weather gets too hot or if plants are left for a long period of time and start to bolt. Flowering vegetables comprise four main families with the method of how they use flowers and ethnic needs ascertaining classification. Understanding that family vegetables are members of is vital because each has its flowering structure and pollination requirements, affecting seed production and productivity.
Crucifers and Brassicas
Crucifers and brassicas are variants of the same species using seeds that are similar. All cross breed easily, meaning pollen from 1 variety can help set seeds on a different variety. Flowers have four petals with 2 stamens. These vegetables include cabbage, kale, radishes, turnips, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard, horseradish and wasabi. Oriental vegetables such as bok choy, daikon and Napa cabbage belong to another sub-family, but are included within this group. All aboveground sections of these vegetables are edible and tend to bitterness, particularly after plants go to seed.
Solanaceous Vegetables
The solanaceous family, also referred to as nightshade plants, which includes a wide array of common garden vegetables such as tomato, pepper, eggplant, red and white potato and tomatillo. The fruit of the majority of vegetables in this family are absorbed, with the exception of potatoes, where the tuber or root is eaten. Abundant varieties exist in each species, ranging from heirloom varieties to hybrids developed for disease resistance, size and other desired attributes. Flowers have five petals with connivent anthers, meaning the outer edges come to your stage.
Legumes
Edible beans, peas, peanuts and forage crops such as alfalfa and clover comprise the legume family. Common home garden types are black-eyed peas, lima beans, many unique types of bush and pole beans and dried types such as pinto beans. Pea types grown by home gardeners include snow, garden and snap peas. Dry bean varieties stay on the plant until it stops producing, with the pods fully matured and dessicated. All beans might be left on the plant in this fashion, to create seeds for the next generation. When beans go to plants, seeds will prevent flowering and producing fruit.
Curcubits
These vegetables grow on vines, producing both male and female blossoms required for pollination and creation. If plants don’t set both types of blossoms or in case bees or other pollinators are not existing, vegetables won’t develop. Family members include cucumbers, summer and winter squash, pumpkins, cantaloupes and melons, in addition to inedible crops such as gourds and luffa. All edible vegetables of this family are technically fruits because they produce seeds inside the flesh.