Flower Grower

Tasks & duties

Flower growers may do some or all of the following:

• decide what crops will be grown and organise their planting
• prepare soil for planting and monitor and improve its health
• maintain crops, which may involve spraying, pruning, fertilising and watering
• harvest crops
• grade and pack crops for sale
• market and sell crops
• transport crops to buyers or exporters
• maintain and repair machinery such as pumps and other equipment

Flower growers who manage or own their businesses may do some or all of the following administration tasks:

• hire and train workers, and ensure their work is of a high standard
• ensure that health and safety, and other regulations, are complied with
• ensure market certification systems (such as quarantine requirements) are up to date
• keep production and financial records and write reports on the performance of the crops
• be involved in researching growing and harvesting techniques, and new varieties

Specialisations

Flower growers may specialise in:

• growing particular varieties of flowers and foliage
• growing either indoor (hothouse) or outdoor flowers
• hydroponics (growing plants without soil – usually in liquid, sand or gravel)

Skills & knowledge

Flower growers need to have:

• knowledge of how to grow and harvest flowers
• knowledge of flower diseases, weeds and pests, and how to control them
• knowledge of the local climate and weather conditions
• knowledge of soil science
• flower-grading skills
• knowledge of market certification and quality requirements
• skill using agricultural fertilisers and chemicals, and knowledge of the rules about their use
• general maintenance and basic mechanical skills (particularly related to water pumps and glasshouse

Those working in large organisations may need specialist technical knowledge such as how to run automated greenhouse systems.
Flower growers who employ others also need:

• knowledge of employment and health and safety regulations
• administration, accounting and planning skills
• problem-solving skills
• people management and communication skills
• computer skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a flower grower. Basic flower growing and horticulture skills can be learned on the job and credited towards a National Certificate in Horticulture (Levels 2 to 4).

National certificates are available through the New Zealand Horticulture Industry Training Organisation, through an apprenticeship with an approved employer.

Secondary education

Useful subjects include science, biology, chemistry, maths, and horticulture.

Tertiary education

For people wanting to manage flower growing businesses, a qualification such as a diploma or degree in horticultural science, science, or commerce is useful.

Training on the job

Most skills are learned on the job. Courses and seminars are available to keep up to date with changes in growing methods.

Certificates for spraying specified pesticides and other agrichemicals

• You need a Growsafe certificate, or similar qualification, for spraying agrichemicals.
• An Approved Handler certificate is necessary for handling some pesticides, and supervising other workers who are spraying.
• If you are spraying for work on other people's property you need to have a Registered Chemical Applicator certificate.

Other requirements

Flower growers who export cut flowers to the United States must be certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Biosecurity New Zealand.

Useful experience

Useful experience for flower growers includes:

Related courses

Crop Production
Horticulture

For more information, please refer to Career Services.