In horticulture, plants are cultivated for their edible and medicinal qualities, as well as for ornamental purposes. In simple words, It is the practice or art of growing and cultivating plants and trees. what do horticulturists do? The term horticulturist refers to an agriculturist who cultivates flowers, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs, as well as ornamental trees and lawns.

How to become a horticulturist  

Courses & Eligibility

How do you become a horticulturist?

Those who wish to start their careers in horticulture should have either an agriculture diploma or an intermediate school diploma, then they can choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in horticulture/agricultural sciences after completing 12th grade. Three-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Horticulture 4 years Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Horticulture 

For master's programs in horticulture, you must hold a bachelor's degree, and for doctoral programs, a master's or doctoral degree in the relevant field e with a minimum of 60% marks. is required.

Masters of Science (M.Sc) in Horticulture – 2 years

Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening – 1 year

 Various universities have their entrance exams for admission to Ph.D. programs.

Scope And career opportunities

Scope 

Horticulture is growing in scope and business every year. Flowers are grown to make perfumes and cosmetics in the pharmaceutical industry. They are a part of horticulture which is a field of cultivation. In India, horticulture is primarily devoted to growing vegetables, which is a very demanding business.

Career opportunities 

Numerous career paths and opportunities exist in the horticulture field, including both public and private sector careers. State Public Service Commission administers the examination for District Horticulture Officer and District Agriculture Officer positions. Agricultural Universities also offer the positions of Technical Assistants and Technical Officers. Other occupations available to them include being a contractor for landscaping projects or working in companies that deal with seeds, fertilizers, sprays, and other horticulture-related products. You can also become an educator if you are a horticulturist Candidates with a Ph.D. may apply for the examination conducted by the Agriculture Scientist Recruitment Board, ICAR, New Delhi. 

Those who are passionate about plants will want to pursue careers that will allow them to work with them daily. However, given the increasing rate of urbanization and technological advancements, you may wonder whether you will be able to build a successful career around your interests. 

1. Horticulture Specialist 

Specialists in horticulture work on developing new crops and solving environmental problems. Some of their work may involve pest control, heritage and conservation projects, or the study of certain plant populations. 

2. Florist 

Florists are responsible for creating arrangements for weddings, funerals, holidays, and other special events. They use fresh flowers and greenery as well as dried flowers. They may also work with customers to create customized arrangements.

3. Forest Scientist

Scientists manage forests, woodlands, parks, rangelands, and other natural areas to ensure their quality. They may work for the government, advocacy groups, or on privately owned land, and are typically responsible for conserving habitats, maintaining or improving water quality, and complying with state or federal regulations.

4. Farmworker

The farmworker is a member of the team that grows ornamental or edible flowers, crops, or herbs. Planting, monitoring plant growth, removing pests, and harvesting plants should be the tasks of farmers. In addition to using and repairing farm equipment, a farmworker's job responsibilities vary according to the season.

5. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists examine the environment and develop solutions through data analysis, accumulating samples of air, soil, and other natural matter. While some environmental scientists focus on environmental regulations that protect public health, others minimize human impact on the ecosystem.

6. Soil Scientists

Soil scientists study crops, yields, and agricultural management for the sake of production and yield. To control crop growth and production, they analyze soil's chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical compositions. In addition to studying different types of agriculture and crop growth, soil scientists classify soils.

7. Landscaper

Landscapers take care of plants at business and private properties. Among the responsibilities of a gardener are mowing grass, fertilizing plants, trimming bushes, weeding flowerbeds, and controlling pests. Landscape architects design the plans that landscapers carry out.