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RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development (pre-September 2022)

This theory-based qualification explains the scientific principles which underpin horticultural practices providing a route to employment in horticulture and a foundation for further learning

If you are just starting out on your RHS Qualifications journey, please see our revised RHS Level 2 Qualifications that are now available to enrol on.

Please note: This page is for candidates who have partially completed the Level 2 prior to the 2022 update.

Who is this qualification for?

Career changers. Looking to break into professional horticulture for the first time

Professional horticulturists. Already working in horticulture and wanting to develop knowledge further

Casual learners. Wanting to develop personal interest and progress to further horticultural study at level 3

Busy people. Need a flexible learning style? Our qualifications are designed to be studied part-time

Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development

Modules, learning outcomes and assessment

Each module is assessed by an RHS set examination conducted at an RHS approved qualifications centre in February and June. To achieve the qualification all four unit exams must be completed and achieved.

Characteristics and the naming of the main groups of plants and their life cycles
Structure and function of plant cells, tissues, vegetative organs, flowers, fruits and seeds
Importance of photosynthesis, respiration, and the movement of water and minerals through the plant

Physical and chemical properties of soils
Importance of organic matter in the root environment
Plant nutrition provided by soil and other growing media
Uses of growing media

Importance of using safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable practices for the maintenance of plant health
Problems posed by weeds, pests, diseases and plant disorders in horticulture and how these problems can be minimised

The role of seeds in plant propagation
Methods of propagation from seeds and spores
The role of vegetative reproduction in plant propagation
Methods of vegetative propagation

Useful documents and information

Qualification specification

Theory qualification FAQs

Past papers

More (pre-September 2022) RHS Level 2 Qualifications

Garden planning, establishment & maintenance

Practical horticulture

After the qualification

Career opportunities

You will have gained a range of horticultural knowledge relevant to employment in various roles in commercial plant production and the horticultural sector, such as a head gardener or supervisor in private, public, or botanic gardens or parks and urban green spaces.

See more on horticultural careers >>

Further learning

The qualification supports progression to level 3 courses in horticulture (RHS Level 3 Qualifications) or entry onto various horticultural training programmes.

“When I started I could only identify a few plants by common name and now it’s great to be able to identify loads of plants by botanical name and know about the conditions they grow in.” - Linda Crowe, Level 2 student

RHS Level 2 Qualifications

RHS Level 3 Qualifications

Browse all RHS Qualifications

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.