Abstract: 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.