Nursery & cutflowers

Western Australia has a significant nursery industry and also grows exotic and Australian native flowers for local and export markets. Nurseries exist in most areas from Broome to Esperance.

Important sectors include land rehabilitation after mining and on farms, state and local government, seedlings for commercial growers and home gardens. There is growing emphasis on ‘waterwise’ plants using local provenance species.

Sales of exotic cutflowers are primarily local whereas waxflowers, South African proteas and bush-picked flowers and foliage are mostly exported.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has developed new hybridised waxflower varieties and produced reports on best propagation, field and postharvest management practices of these crops.

Articles

  • The Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) provides advisory and identification services on animal and plant pests, weeds and diseases that impact Western Australia's agriculture and food ind

  • Correct postharvest handling is essential to maximise vase life and maintain flower and foliage quality.

  • Dried flowers are a popular longer-lasting alternative to fresh flowers. A number of methods can be used to dry flowers but some basic principles apply generally such as drying as fast as possible

  • Cut flowers and foliage are highly perishable items. Field heat should be removed as soon as possible after picking.

  • Glycerining is the term used in the ornamental cutflower and foliage processing industry to describe treating fresh plant material with a hygroscopic (water-attracting) chemical. The objective is t