About Horticulture
Since its inception in 1888, the Department of Horticultural Science has been improving the quality of life for Minnesotans and impacting the economy of the state:
Our degree programs educate each new generation of plant professionals.- Our outreach programs have improved the practice of gardening within the state.
- Our breeding programs have developed hundreds of cold-tolerant fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
- Our research programs are doing everything from warding off invasive plant species to investigating anti-HIV properties in propolis, the brownish resin that honeybees use to repair their hives.
Our degree programs educate each new generation of plant professionals.Mission
Our department’s primary mission is to discover, interpret, and transfer new knowledge to improve the quality of life of Minnesotans and the world at large. We aim to:
- improve the productivity, value, and use of horticulture crops
- contribute to building a quality environment
- invest our time, energy and heart into educating the next-generation of plant professionals
Through creativity and innovation, we strive for excellence in the furthering of knowledge and education.
Quick Facts
- Established in 1888
- Affiliated with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- Research centers throughout the state
- 75,000 square feet of greenhouse space on the St. Paul campus
- 54 plant species that the department is currently breeding
Visit Us!
Take a tour! Visits are scheduled on Mondays and Fridays through the CFANS admissions office. You’ll be able to tour through all the facilities, visit both campuses, and speak with a faculty member in horticultural science.
History
The horticultural science department has a rich history dating back to the early days of the University of Minnesota. Through our teaching, research, and extension efforts, the department has affected plants in Minnesota and around the world.
Discover some of the major department milestones >>>
News
Students, staff, faculty, and alumni of the department are doing interesting and innovative things every day. From alumni creating new urban growing methods to faculty researching how to grow plants more efficiently in greenhouses, the department is always buzzing.
Stay up-to-date by visiting our news page >>>
