Would you like to grow orchids for the markets?Orchids are one of the most commercially viable cut flower crops (partially due to their beauty, and also due to their long shelf life). Learn how to produce orchid flowers for the cut flower trade! Orchids occur naturally from very cold temperate climates through to tropical locations; and provided you choose appropriate species and treat them according to location, it is feasible to grow orchids as cut flowers almost anywhere

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction.
   • Covers plant names
   • Basic plant classification
   • Information on plant flower structure
2. Culture.
   • Looks at soil cultivation
   • Container growing
   • Hydroponics
   • Baskets
   • Epiphytes
   • Potting mixes
   • Pruning orchids
3. Propagation A.
   • Propagation materials and equipment
   • Seed
   • Miscellaneous propagation techniques
4. Propagation B. (Tissue Culture).
   • Materials necessary for tissue culture
   • Types of tissue culture
   • Plant hormones
   • Diseases
   • Plant nutrients
5. Greenhouse Management A.
   • Greenhouses and other growing structures
   • Environmental controls
   • Benches and beds
   • Effects of carbon dioxide
   • Yields
6. Greenhouse Management B.
   • Growing plants in greenhouses
   • Plant needs
   • Temperature control
   • Greenhouse irrigation
   • Cooling
7. Pest and Disease Control.
   • Horticultural Management in greenhouses
   • Sterilisation
   • Pests and diseases
8. Management, Harvest and Post Harvest.
   • Harvest and post-harvest
   • Managing a market garden
   • Crop scheduling
   • Standards
   • Farm layout
   • Nursery costs
9. Marketing.
   • Marketing your produce
   • Economically valuable orchids
   • International flower markets
10. Special Project.
    • An in depth study of a specific group of orchids.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Explain the plant naming system, identify flower parts and compile resources
• Describe cultural techniques applicable to orchid growing.
• Describe propagation techniques used for orchids.
• Explain tissue culture propagation techniques.
• Describe protected plant production facilities suited to orchids.
• Explain the day to day management of a greenhouse.
• Manage Pests and diseases on an orchid flower crop
• Explain management of an orchid enterprise and the harvest and post harvest of an orchid crop.
• Explain marketing techniques used for cut flower orchids.
• Describe a major orchid group

To learn how to enrol click here