Flower growers grow, maintain, harvest and sell seeds, seedlings, bulbs, buds and flowers.

Tasks:

1. To decide what flowers will be grown and organise their planting
2. To prepare soil for planting and monitor and improve its health
3. To maintain crops which may involve spraying, pruning, fertilising and watering
4. To grade and pack flowers for sale
5. To market and sell flowers
6. To transport flowers to buyers or exporters
7. To maintain and repair machinery such as pumps and other equipment
8. To hire and train workers, and ensure their work is of a high standard
9. To ensure that health and safety, and other regulations, are complied with
10. To ensure market certification systems (such as quarantine requirements) are up to date
11. To keep production and financial records and write reports
12. To be involved in researching growing and harvesting techniques, and new varieties

Key skills for flower grower:

• 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
• Knowledge of employment and health and safety regulations
• Administration, accounting and planning skills
• Problem-solving skills
• People management and communication skills
• Computer skills

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £30,000 per year
The United States of America: $40,400 per year
Australia: AU$50,100 per year

Qualifications and training required:

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. For people wanting to manage flower growing businesses, a qualification such as a diploma or degree in horticultural science, science, or commerce is useful.
Useful experience for flower growers includes:
Garden or nursery work;
Physical labour;
Any experience that shows you can work without close supervision.