The primary raceme of early dwarf-internode cultivars usually occurs after the 6th to 10th node. On later cultivars, the primary raceme may occur after the 8th to 16th node. In introductions from other countries, dwarf-internode types flowering after 40 or more nodes are known. After the first raceme appears, branches originate at the nodes below it. The number of branches depends on plant spacing and in some cases the cultivar.
Subsequent branches arise from the nodes just beneath the racemes of the second set.
This sequence of development continues as long as the plant remains alive and growing actively. Thus, the development of racemes along any one axis is sequential, making it possible for a plant to have racemes in all stages of development from bud stage to complete maturity. Number of staminate and pistillate flowers can vary greatly, depending upon raceme size. The flowers are without petals. After the pollen is shed, the staminate flowers dry up and usually drop.