Expression profiles of floral identity genes in C. maximus during a complete growth cycle. Relative mRNA levels were determined using qRT-PCR and normalized using housekeeping genes 18S, GAPDH and β-actin as internal controls. Values are mean ± s.e. of four replicates. Arrows show the starting points of: I, floral meristem initiation; II, floral organ initiation; III, floral organ differentiation and development. Sample descriptions: 8 Nov to 8 Jan, shoot tips with/without inflorescence primordia; 28 Jan to 30 Apr, inflorescences (15–20 mm) with floral primordia; 11 Jun, inflorescences (25–35 mm) with flower bud (approx. 1 mm) and all floral organs initiated; 24 Jul, flower buds (2–3 mm) with well-differentiated floral organs and elongated anthers and pistils; 15 Aug, flower buds (10–12 mm) showing petal tip, with well-formed pollen and ovules; 18 Sep, mature flower buds before opening.