A horticultural lighting apparatus includes a housing； a blue-light emitting element； an emissive layer in optical communication with the blue-light emitting element, the emissive layer includes a polymer material and a population of quantum dots dispersed within the polymer material capable of absorbing blue light and emitting light having wavelengths in the red and far-red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum； a brightness enhancing film in optical communication with the blue-light emitting element and emissive layer； and a protective cover layer. The protective cover layer and housing isolates the blue-light emitting element, emissive layer and brightness enhancing film from the external environment. Methods of growing plants include illuminating a plant with a horticultural lighting apparatus according the present disclosure.
