Propagation (full year)
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A practical, year-long course teaching hands-on plant propagation in a commercial nursery, under the guidance of experienced propagators at Otago Polytechnic's Central Otago campus.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Central Otago campus, Cromwell
It will take a total of 9 months
This course requires 6 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Propagate a variety of plant species
Develop the ability to propagate a wide range of plants including vegetables, berry fruit, native trees and shrubs, annuals, and specialist plants by seed and cuttings.
Operate in a commercial nursery setting
Gain hands-on experience using professional nursery equipment and facilities such as mist beds, heat beds, glasshouses, and hardening/shade houses.
Eco-source and grow native plants
Learn techniques for eco-sourcing native plants and propagating them for environmental or personal use.
What You're Signing Up For
This year-long course provides hands-on experience in plant propagation within a well-equipped commercial nursery environment. Students collect, process, and germinate seeds, eco-source native plants, and propagate a variety of species by cuttings. The course includes the use of mist and heat beds, glasshouses, and hardening/shade facilities. Tailored project opportunities allow students to follow personal plant interests, whether food growing, natives, perennials, or trees. Local field trips are included, with all materials supplied. Assessment is optional; a Certificate of Attendance is available on completion.
Course Content
- Collecting and processing seed for propagation
- Germinating seed
- Eco-sourcing native plants
- Propagating by cuttings using mist and heat bed, glasshouses
- Growing vegetables, berry fruit, native trees and shrubs, drought-resistant plants, annuals, and specialist plants
- Developing propagation skills for commercial and non-commercial (home) settings
- Undertaking local field trips relating to plant propagation
What you need to know first
No previous qualifications required
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Horticulture
Commercial Nursery
Land & Environment
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles in commercial nurseries
Assistant in horticultural enterprises
Self-employed plant propagation or nursery establishment
Community garden or environmental restoration volunteer
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.