Proteas

DESCRIPTION

Became a Protea Expert

True Proteas come from Africa. Many produce spectacular flowers, with great commercial value as garden shrubs or a cut flower crop. The term “Protea” is sometimes loosely used to refer to any plants in the Protea (or Protreaceae) family; though the scientific name “Protea” is strictly confined to one genus. Even nurserymen and cut flower growers the world over, may sometimes use the term Protea to refer to related plants in the Proteaceae family, such as Telopeas, Leucadendron and Leucospermum (though strictly speaking they are not Proteas).

Learn where and how to grow one of the most stunning groups of plants in the world. With the right cultural techniques (e.g. proper drainage, soil treatments, irrigation methods, feeding, pruning, weed control), you can achieve top quality, large blooms in what might otherwise be considered poor horticultural conditions.

LESSON STRUCTURE

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
2. Review of the system of plant identification
3. General characteristics of the group
4. Information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.)
5. Culture
6. Planting
7. staking
8. mulching
9. watering
10. feeding (nutrition requirements, deficiencies etc)
11. pruning
12. protection from wind, salt air etc.
13. drainage requirements
14. techniques for providing drainage, etc.
15. Propagation
16. Methods of propagating this group of plants (cuttings & seed)
17. Propagation of selected varieties, etc.
18. Most Commonly Grown Varieties of Proteas
19. Protea cynaroides
20. Protea mellifera
21. Protea repens
22. Pests, Diseases and Problems
23. Protea botany
24. Pest & diseases
25. Drainage problems
26. Other Proteas to Grow
27. Making the Best Use of Proteas
28. Harvest and post harvest
29. How to use them at home
30. Special Assignment - On one selected plant or group.

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.

AIMS

Explain the taxonomy of Proteas and closely related genera.

Describe the cultural requirements of Proteas and related Proteaceae plants

Propagate Proteas.

Compare a range of commonly grown Protea species.

Manage problems including pests and diseases with Proteas.

Discuss a range of different Protea species and cultivars.

Determine and describe a range of ways to grow and use Proteas; including as a landscape plant and as a cut flower.

Discuss a subject related to Proteas in depth.

DELIVERY

Correspondence