Course CodeBHT317Fee CodeS3Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Cut Flower Bulb Come in different shape, sizes and colours Can be used indoors as home décor or placed as border plants in the garden They have big marketing advantage over other flowers as both the flowers and bulbs can be sold Many have festivals to celebrate their blooms Are you Passionate about Growing Cut Flowers from Bulbs? This course will do more than just expand your knowledge of growing bulbs. We have planned and will deliver a learning experience that provides knowledge and understanding first, then reinforces that learning - developing your capacity to apply your learning in a whole range of real world situations small scale through to large scale. If you have always wanted to learn more about flowering bulbs and how to grow them commercially or at home, this is the place to start! Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course: Introduction to Cut Flower Bulb Production Overview of floriculture Information on flower structure How plants grow Specialised vegetative structure Introduction to hydroponics Classification of hydroponic systems Cultural Practices Understanding soil composition, structure and texture Ways to improve soil Importance and types of soil water Soil pH Nutrient availability and pH Soil and plant tissue analysis Soil degradation and rehabilitation (erosion, salinity, acidification etc) The nutrient elements (major and minor) Diagnosing nutritional problems Fertilisers (types, application, etc) Natural fertilisers Fertiliser selection Weed control methods Flower Initiation & Development Encouraging plants to flower out of season Ways to cause controlled flowering How to modify plant environment Photosynthesis Carbon dioxide enrichment Response of plants to CO2 General guidelines of planting bulbs Mulching Soil mixes and potting media Pest & Disease Control Law in relation to chemical used Disease identification and management in bulb crops Plant viruses detection and diagnosis Pest identification and management in bulb crops Environmental Problems and their treatment Managing Yield, Greenhouse Culture Greenhouse growing system Components of greenhouse facility Types of greenhouse Commonly used greenhouse designs Shade houses Greenhouse benches and beds Environmental control in greenhouses Measurements of environmental factors Heating, cooling and ventilation systems Lighting Horticultural management in a greenhouse (pest and disease, irrigation etc) Plant and water relation Growing bulbs in open ground Irrigating field grown bulbs Types of irrigation system Management, Harvest & Post Harvest Managing market gardens Factors in Deciding Which Plants to Grow Production and crop scheduling Cost efficiency standards Quality and quantity standards Farm layout (design of a store) Marketing bulb crops The marketing process (supply and demand, market research etc) Aging in cut flowers Factors affecting the longevity of cut flowers Gladiolus and Liliums Classification of liliums and gladiolus Growing conditions Soil and nutrition Planting and propagation Pest and diseases Harvest and post-harvest Narcissus Classification of narcissus Growing conditions Soil and nutrition Planting and propagation Pest and diseases Harvest and post-harvest Iris Classification of Iris Growing conditions Soil and nutrition Planting and propagation Pest and diseases Harvest and post-harvest Other Bulbs Scented bulbs Alstroemeria Amaryllis Dahlia Freesia Hyacinth Ranunculus Orchids Ways of judging flower quality Aims Describe cultural practices for production of different cut flower bulbs and the basis of good horticultural practice: soils and soil types, plant nutrition, pest and disease management and weed control. Understand the initiation and development of flowers in plants with bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, corms or other specialized parts. A look at the factors affecting the flowering stages. Learn how to manage any pests and diseases for a crop of cut flower bulbs or in the home garden. Manage the quantity and quality of a crop of cut flower bulbs, both grown in the open and in a greenhouse. In this lesson we also have a good look at the various systems of growing cut flower bulbs in greenhouses and look at ways to manage the environmental conditions in them. Learn about the management and the harvest/post harvest of cut flower bulbs. Explain the production of Lilium and Gladioli cut flower crops. Explain the production of Narcissus cut flower crops. Explain the production of Iris and Gladioli cut flower crops. In this lesson we look at the a comparison of a variety of different cut flower bulb crops. WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS COURSE? Cut flower bulb production farmers Greenhouse managers: management of cut flower bulb production Those managing the production of cut flower bulbs for the commercial market Those responsible for the maintenance of flowering bulbs in garden displays Those running or wanting to set up their own business growing cut flower bulbs We encourage and support our students to connect with industry and start to develop networking. In doing these things, what you learn becomes embedded in your long term memory and your ability to detect and adapt to opportunities that emerge in the future will grow not only through the course, but well beyond your studies as well. Suggested Reading Growing and Knowing Bulbs is an ebook written by our principal and staff It is available to purchase as a download from our online bookstore click for details HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE