Greenhouse floriculture

Floriculture growers cultivate a wide range of potted foliage and flowering plants, cut flowers, and annual bedding plants. The floriculture sector requires a great deal of technology and capital, and is highly competitive.

The B.C. floriculture sector accounts for 25% of national farm gate sales in floriculture, ranking second to Ontario.

Production

Growers of floriculture crops must produce top quality plants to be competitive.  The production information provided is intended to assist growers to solve production problems and improve crop quality.

Growing greenhouse floriculture crops, with an emphasis on sustainable pest management:

• Floriculture Production Guide (PDF, 3.4MB)
• Pesticides Registered for Ornamental Crops (PDF, 773 KB)

Crop selection, production and harvesting of field-grown cut flowers:

• Field Grown Cut Flowers (PDF)

The importance of performing a complete irrigation water quality analysis, and options to correct problems related to nutrient imbalances or high alkalinity:

• Irrigation Water Quality for B.C. Greenhouses (PDF)

A description of how to use routine testing of salts and pH in the growing media to prevent costly nutritional problems in container-grown crops:

• On-Site Testing of Growing Media and Irrigation Water (PDF)

A description of the impact of the drainage and aeration of growing media on the health and vigor of container-grown plants.

• The Importance of Aeration in Container Media (PDF)

Information on the dynamics of atmospheric water vapour and how it can impact the health and vigour of a greenhouse crop:

• Understanding Humidity Control in Greenhouses (PDF)

Information on the management of specific pests that damage greenhouse flowers:

• Plant Pests & Diseases

New entrants

If you are new to the sector, you may have questions about how to get started.  Learn more:

Advice for establishing a successful nursery.

• Commercial Floriculture Grower: Getting Started (PDF, 1.4 MB)

A starting point to help nursery managers prepare a formal business plan for their operation.

• Preparing a Business Plan: Greenhouse Floriculture Example (PDF)

Whether you're starting a new farm or seeking to improve your existing operation, the B.C. Government has resources for implementing best practices for business growth.

• Learn more about Farm Business Management

Greenhouse Checklist: Essential Considerations - This checklist consists of a series of self-assessment questions, with related information and tips covering key considerations when planning to purchase, build, and ultimately operate a small to medium-sized greenhouse. 

• Greenhouse checklist (fillable PDF, 1.7 MB)

Regulations

Greenhouse certification program

For export of greenhouse-grown plants to the United States, the D-96-12 Greenhouse Certification Program allows approved facilities to export to the U.S. with an export certification label. Greenhouses on the program do not require the Canadian Food Inspection officers to inspect plants before export.  Learn more about the program:

• Canadian Greenhouse Certification Program

Importation and domestic movement

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to ensure a safe food supply for everyone in Canada.  Directives have been developed that restrict the importation and domestic movement of specific greenhouse vegetable crops to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated pests. Read more:

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency directives

Other local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations apply.