Are you a plant and flower lover and do you have a green thumb? The profession of horticulturist is made for you. Quickly discover the different missions of this profession as well as the studies necessary to be able to access it.
The horticulturist is passionate about nature and botany. Arborist, market gardener, nurseryman, flower grower, the profession of horticulturist can be found in different specialties. Among its main tasks, the production of plants and flowers in pots or in the ground. He will manage the production of seeds, the soil preparation, sowing, maintenance (watering, weeding, anti-parasite treatment, cuttings, etc.) and plant pruning. In a garden center or a nursery, the horticulturist will also have to play a commercial role in order to advise his customers and make sales. If he works upstream of production, the horticulturist is responsible for research and experimentation. It may in some cases be required to set up a garden for an individual or in response to a landscaper’s project.
The main skills and qualities to have
The profession of horticulturist requires various skills and qualities, as its missions are varied:
- be passionate about their work;
- have very extensive botanical knowledge;
- know how to adapt to their work environment (nature of the soil, climate, etc.);
- know and know how to use fertilizers;
- be in good physical condition;
- keeping a watch on trends and customer tastes;
- have a sense of business;
- have good interpersonal skills;
- be thorough and observant;
- demonstrate versatility;
- have a developed aesthetic sense;
- know how to work independently;
- have great patience.
Work conditions
The horticulturist must be in good physical condition and be in good health since he works mostly outdoors in harsh weather conditions, and may be required to carry heavy loads. Depending on his place of work, he can also work on weekends or on public holidays.
How to become a horticulturist?
Different diplomas allow access to the profession of horticulturist, with or without the baccalaureate:
- CAP Agricole Agricultural professions;
- BPA Work on horticultural production, specializing in fruit arboriculture or ornamental and vegetable horticulture;
- Bac pro Driving horticultural production;
- Professional baccalaureate Technician advice-sales gardening universe;
- Professional certificate option Manager of vegetable, fruit, flower and nursery production;
- Professional certificate option Head of horticultural production workshop;
- BTSA Horticultural production;
- BTSA Landscaping;
- BTSA Agronomy Plant production;
- Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Agricultural and Agrifood Organizations Agri-manager course, or Management course for horticulture and landscape companies;
- Vocational Bachelor’s degree in Plant Production, Plant Health Management Course or Plant Biotechnology and Variety Creation Course…
The salary of a horticulturist
Depending on his level of education and his place of work, a beginner horticulturist can claim a salary of between 1550 and 2200 euros gross monthly.
Growth prospects for a horticulturist
After several years of experience, a horticulturist can progress to a position of team leader or crop manager. He can also decide to set up on his own to produce his own plants.
Companies that employ horticulturists
- Food company ;
- agricultural or horticultural greenhouse;
- nursery;
- specialized store ;
- territorial community.
My job explained to my mother
Mom, beautiful plants know me! I have to put my little seed and do everything to make it grow. In fact I take care of plants, flowers or fruits and vegetables, from the seed to their sale. So I put them in the ground or in a pot, I water them, I watch over their good growth, I watch that the plants are not sick… I can also advise customers or inform them if they hesitate between different species, as when you will buy your plants in your favorite garden center! I can also work in landscaped gardens and choose this or that species of plant to create a harmonious and beautiful garden to see.