Floriculturist - Environments - On The Job
A floriculturist produces fresh, dried flowers and foliage for wholesale, flower markets, florists and retail outlets, and increasingly for overseas export. Some flower farms also grow flowers in open fields for their essential oils.
A floriculturist cultivates flowering and ornamental plants for gardens, the floral industry and export. This individual studies, grows and cares for flowering plants, develops new varieties, manages their post-harvest treatment and the production of flower products.
A proportion of flower farming takes place in greenhouses, but most are produced outdoors eg: herbaceous plants, flowers and cut flowers.
Floriculture also includes farming of ornamental and flowering plants that can be used as raw materials in the pharmaceutical sector and perfume industry.
Some of the crops that come under floriculture are bedding plants, flowering garden, houseplants and pot plants.
Alternative names: Flower grower; Market Gardener (Flowers)
Propagation and cultivation of native and tropical plants.
Greenhouse methods used in protection of plants from diseases, insects, and pests.
Planting and propagation; seed germination, plant division, plant cuttings such as leaf, stem and tip cuttings.
Observation to determine growth and detect insects, disease, watering issues, and other relating issues pertaining to plant growth and health.
Display mechanical aptitude.
Display initiative, industriousness and dependability.
Interact effectively with the public and others with tact and diplomacy.
Passionate about Flowers - you should be passionate about flowers and always keen to learn more about flowers.
Patience – we know nature works slowly but always bring a unique perfection. And when you are going to grow plants you should be patience to see the blooming flowers. You should not be curious or excited to see the flowers that you spoil the plant.
Good observant – you should be a good observer and observe the each and every change in plants. If you have seen any negative change than just tries to improve the planting.
Performs a variety of tasks in connection with the propagation, cultivation, care, and exhibition of native and tropical plants in greenhouses, buildings, and park areas.
Co-ordinates production and marketing of flowers, from soil preparation through to harvest, taking into account environmental and market factors.
Plants seeds, seedlings and bulbs, and grafts new varieties to root stocks. - Performs the individual tasks involved in assignments such as planting seeds, making cuttings and grafts, layering and setting out plants, bulbs and tubers.
propagates, grows and markets of all cut flowers, flower seeds and seedlings
Pots and repots plants.
Cultivates, fertilizes, and waters plants.
Prunes shrubs and vines and collects seeds.
Regulates the temperature and humidity of greenhouses and conservatories or plant houses.
Lays-out and plants, cultivates, mulches and edges flower beds throughout the season.
Maintains buildings, fences, equipment and water systems - manage and maintain fields and controlled growing environments.
Carries out plans for arranging flowers for show or client display
Repairs small tools and equipment used in cultivating flowers and plants.
Applies pesticides to land or plant life.
manages post-harvest treatments and production of plant products (dried flowers etc)
meets with potential clients, retail and market-drive people to discuss orders
Manages business capital.
A Floriculturist enjoys working with flowers, outdoors and under all weather conditions. Cultivation of flowery plants can be done in greenhouses/ poly houses/ open fields.
You usually need crop farming experience to work as a Flower Grower. While formal qualifications aren't essential, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in horticulture or agriculture may be useful.
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