Definition

Verb: - To produce or send forth a spike or spikes. This botanical term describes the process by which a plant, particularly one that flowers, develops its flower stalk or inflorescence.

Usage

This is a specific botanical verb, typically used in the present participle form "spiking" or in passive constructions. It describes a specific stage in a plant's growth cycle.

Examples

• "My hyacinths and orchids are spiking out now, so they should bloom soon."
• "The agave plant will spike out a tall flower stalk before it dies."
• "We noticed the lilies spiking out in early summer."

Advanced Usage

• "to be spiking out": This present continuous form is common to describe the ongoing process of a plant producing its flower spike.
  • The amaryllis bulbs are spiking out after their winter dormancy.

Variants and Related Words

• Spike (n): The flower stalk or inflorescence itself.
  • The flower spike can grow over six feet tall.
• Spiking (v, present participle): The act of producing a spike.
  • The spiking of the plant indicates it is healthy.

Synonyms

• bolt: (for certain plants like lettuce) to send up a flower stalk prematurely.
• send up a flower stalk: a more general descriptive phrase.

Notes

This term is highly specific to horticulture and botany. In common usage, one might simply say "my plant is sending up a flower stalk" or "my orchid is growing a new spike." "Spike out" is a precise, technical term for this growth action.

Verb

1. bring forth a spike or spikes
   • my hyacinths and orchids are spiking now