Flower Crop Management

You are viewing an older version of this academic item. To access a different version, adjust the year in the field above. For handbooks published prior to 2023, click the "Previous Handbooks" button at the bottom of the page.

Abstract

This subject focuses on the sustainable production of commercial cut flower and foliage crops including examples of traditional, popular, native, and exotic crops. Utilising a rose project case study, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the biology, principles, and practices of cut flower production in protected structures, focusing … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject focuses on the sustainable production of commercial cut flower and foliage crops including examples of traditional, popular, native, and exotic crops. Utilising a rose project case study, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the biology, principles, and practices of cut flower production in protected structures, focusing on both pre-harvest and post-harvest physiology and production techniques to maintain extended vase life. Students will apply what they are learning to the development of a flower crop project proposal.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: 1. Behind the scenes of a floriculture business: Rose case study;2. Setting the context;3. Flower crop biology;4. Markets and types of growing;5. Climate and flowering control;6. Markets and marketing;7. Flower project establishment;8. Protected cultivation;9. Hydroponics;10. Harvest and post-harvest;11. Floriculture economics;12. Traditional flower crops;13. … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

1. Behind the scenes of a floriculture business: Rose case study;
2. Setting the context;
3. Flower crop biology;
4. Markets and types of growing;
5. Climate and flowering control;
6. Markets and marketing;
7. Flower project establishment;
8. Protected cultivation;
9. Hydroponics;
10. Harvest and post-harvest;
11. Floriculture economics;
12. Traditional flower crops;
13. Other popular floricultural crops; and
14. Proteaceae and indigenous flowers.

Assessment items

1. Crop selection & biology

2. Setting up the project

3. Crop management

4. Project plan

5. Exam

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

identify and describe the range and diversity of cut flower crops;

apply knowledge about the growth cycle of flower crops to describe the optimal management of the vegetative and reproductive phases of flower crops;

discuss the principles of hydroponic and indoor systems for growing flower crops and explain how these growth systems are utilised to maximise production efficiencies;

compare and contrast current and new technologies used in the production of flower crops;

justify pre-harvest and post-harvest procedures for optimal production of flower crops; and

design and develop a flower enterprise proposal, including budgets.

Enrolment restrictions

Pre-requisite

Learning activities

HRT207 Intensive school