How to Grow Flowers in a Hydroponic Environment

Hydroponic gardening is a technique of growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in a soil-less system where several factors like temperature, nutrients, light, and oxygen supply can be controlled. Unlike soil-based gardening, hydroponic systems are known to be more efficient, and they provide a bountiful harvest all year round. While most gardeners feel that hydroponics is strictly for growing vegetables and other plants, it is just as efficient a technique of creating a beautiful flower garden. And the best part about growing hydroponic flowers is that it can be done both indoors and outdoors within limited available space. So, here is how to grow flowers in a hydroponic environment.

Benefits of growing hydroponic flowers

Flowers are tender blooms that require a lot of toiling and care for them to blossom into their beautiful selves. But growing hydroponic flowers is a lot less cumbersome as compared to traditional soil-based gardening. The very fact that hydroponic systems are built in a way where you can control various factors gives you a stronghold on your produce. Every species of flowers requires a different environment, and that can be tailor-made in hydroponic farming. Flower growers can customize their systems and provide the right kind of hydroponic supplies depending on the kind of flowers they grow. And whether it is setting up an indoor hydroponics setup for flowers or building an outdoor garden, hydroponics is an efficient answer.

Other significant benefits of growing hydroponic flowers

· Many flowers have medicinal value, and growing such flowers in hydroponic systems is even more beneficial as the final produce is completely organic and fertilizer free

· Since flowering plants require a lot of maintenance, hydroponic gardening for flowers can reduce that stress as the absence of soil eliminates soil-borne pests and weeds

· Setting up an indoor flower garden hydroponically is neater and can maximize the production in limited space

· Since there is minimum usage of fertilizers and pest control chemicals, it is an eco-friendlier way of growing an indoor garden at home

· Flower horticulture is said to provide 30-50 percent more produce that can be grown around the year

· The controlled environment of a hydroponic setup also minimizes the growth of pests, insects, and other diseases resulting in healthier flowers that are more fragrant and beautiful

How to grow flowers hydroponically

Growing hydroponic flowers or setting up a hydroponic flowers business can become an easy job if it is done correctly. Just like all other hydroponic systems, some basics need to be followed to enjoy a blossoming flower garden grown hydroponically. Here are the steps to grow your own hydroponic flower garden:

· Soak the starter plugs in water to create a wet medium for seeds to germinate

· Insert the seeds in the starter plugs that are made of sponge-like material with holes in the center

· Depending on the kind of flowers you are growing, you can insert 2-4 seeds in each plug

· Put the plugs in flat tray-like containers where the seedlings can germinate

· Now, place the trays in an area that get enough sunlight

· Cover the trays with plastic domes that will help retain moisture and control the temperature

· Provide the seeds with the nutrient solution as per the requirement

· Once the seeds germinate, transfer the plugs and put them directly into your hydroponic system

· Fill the trays with water, just enough so that the plugs are not submerged

· Make sure that the flower plants get enough light

· Harvest the produce once they are mature

Best flowers you can grow in a hydroponic system

While most flowers can be easily grown in a hydroponic system, certain species grow really well. Almost all kinds of flowers that are used by florists are a good choice for your hydroponic flowers business, and if you take enough care of them, you will be pleasantly surprised by the results they provide.

Some of the best-suited species of hydroponic flowers in Australia are:

· Orchids

· Iris

· Daffodils

· Freesia

· Chrysanthemums

· Gerbera

· Carnations

· Peace lily

· Amaryllis

Hydroponic farming is becoming quite a popular choice with urban gardeners and flower horticulturists alike for the ample benefits it provides. So much so that it is being looked at as an alternative for the future of farming that can solve the issue of over-dependence on land. While hydroponics is transforming commercial farming, it is also changing the way passionate growers approach building their home gardens. With the right kind of hydroponic supplies, you can not only gain the pleasure of growing your own greens but also build a beautiful garden with hydroponic flowers.