What is a Gärtner/in – Zierpflanzenbau (ornamental plant grower)?
A Gärtner/in – Zierpflanzenbau is a specialist in growing, caring for and propagating ornamental plants used in homes, gardens, events and public spaces.
The work includes producing seasonal flowers, indoor plants, flowering pot plants and perennial ornamentals.
Dual vocational training (Ausbildung) lasting 3 years
Combination of practical training in ornamental plant nurseries or flower production companies and theoretical lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule)
Completed with an official final exam recognised by the Chamber of Agriculture or the Chamber of Crafts
Plant cultivation and propagation
Sowing seeds, raising young plants and seedlings
Propagation by cuttings, division or grafting
Controlling growing conditions such as temperature, humidity and light
Daily plant care
Watering, fertilising, ventilating and protecting plants from diseases and pests
Pruning and shaping plants to maintain an attractive appearance
Preparing plants for sale
Preparing plants and flowers for display in nurseries, garden centres or markets
Packing and presenting plants in an appealing and safe way for transport and sale
Customer advice
Giving advice on how to care for plants at home or in the garden
Helping customers choose suitable species for specific purposes (balcony, garden, office, events)
Technical control
Monitoring greenhouses and setting up technical systems (e.g. heating, automatic irrigation, climate control)
Using modern technologies to improve production efficiency and product quality
Ornamental plant nurseries
Companies producing plants and flowers on a wholesale scale
Garden centres and plant shops
Horticultural exhibitions, fairs and agricultural markets
Public or private botanical gardens and display gardens
Genuine passion for plants and flowers
High level of manual skill and accuracy
Basic scientific knowledge of plant biology and plant diseases
A good sense of aesthetics and creativity when presenting plants
Physical fitness for working outdoors and in greenhouses
Promotion to nursery supervisor, production team leader or head of a growing section
Further qualification as a Gärtnermeister/in (master gardener)
Studying landscape design, horticulture, nursery management or plant production
Starting one’s own nursery, garden centre or plant shop
Specialising in rare plants, pot plant production, ecological growing or specific ornamental concepts
| Zierpflanzenbau | Garten- und Landschaftsbau | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Growing and caring for ornamental plants and flowers | Designing, constructing and maintaining gardens and green spaces |
| Typical tasks | Plant production, sales, decoration and presentation | Building gardens, laying paths, planting trees, shrubs and lawns |
| Work environment | Nurseries, greenhouses, garden centres, flower shops | Garden sites, parks, public projects and outdoor construction areas |
The profession Gärtner/in – Zierpflanzenbau combines science and beauty and allows you to work every day surrounded by natural colours and fragrances.
It offers stable and in-demand jobs across Germany.
It provides diverse career paths, from specialisation to entrepreneurship.
It unites manual skill, horticultural expertise and creativity in one field.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete. Please regard the information presented as an initial reference and always contact the relevant authorities for binding, up-to-date details.
