Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences

What Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences does

Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences is an academic and applied research unit within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, located in College Station, Texas, with a department history dating to the first horticulture course taught in 1876 and the formal Department of Horticulture established in 1892. It offers five degree programs (B.S. and B.A. in Horticulture, M.S., M.Agr., and Ph.D.) plus four undergraduate certificates in Controlled Environment Horticulture, Floral Design, Sustainable Green Space Management, and Viticulture and Enology, supported by 15 research focus areas spanning plant breeding and genomics, controlled environment horticulture, viticulture and enology, post-harvest physiology, and international floriculture marketing. The department holds a substantial portfolio of released plant varieties and trademarks, including Texas Early Grano and 1015Y sweet onions, Brazos blackberry, Beta Sweet maroon carrot, TAM Mild Jalapeno, more than 40 peach varieties, the trademarked Earth-Kind Environmental Stewardship program, and the patented NZN® pecan nutrient, developed through breeding pipelines that cover melons, peppers, roses, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, onions, watermelon, grapevines, hibiscus, pear, cider apple, and pecan.

The department operates the Benz School of Floral Design, including the Basic Design Class ($1,700), Advanced Classes ($600 each), three tiers of certification (Entry, Advanced, Distinguished), and preparation for the American Institute of Floral Designers Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential, with a satellite program in Seoul, South Korea that has awarded over 1,600 certificates. Applied research and extension delivery is executed through Texas A&M AgriLife infrastructure, including research and extension centers in Weslaco, Dallas, Lubbock, Uvalde, and Overton, plus county-level extension offices, and statewide programs such as the Junior Master Gardener initiative (200,000+ Texas children annually) and the Aggie Horticulture digital platform (40+ million pages served to 6.7 million users since 1994).

Go-to-market is community- and event-led rather than commercial: prospective students are recruited through Horticulture Exploration Day and academic advising; industry engagement is driven by the monthly Spirited Learning program featuring Texas wineries, pecan operations, nurseries, and ornamental growers; and continuing education is delivered through the Benz School and the AIFD pathway. Customer segments are highly diversified across undergraduate and graduate students, professional florists and hobbyists, Master Gardeners, Texas horticulture employers, and donors, with no single account concentration. The department was ranked #1 in College Factual's 2025 Best Schools for Horticulture in the USA.

Name

Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences

Legal name

Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences

Website

https://hortsciences.tamu.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1892

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Texas A&M University's Department of Horticultural Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate horticulture degrees plus the Benz School of Floral Design. The department conducts plant breeding research, extension services, and industry partnerships supporting the Texas horticulture sector through multiple research centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education - Horticultural Sciences

NAICS

Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (1114), Nursery and Floriculture Production (11142), Floriculture Production (111422), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Horticulture, Nursery & Greenhouse Operations (EDAOAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Home & Garden Hobbies (Gardening, Floral Design, Home Decor) (EDAAAGAL), Specialty Fertilizers for Horticulture & Controlled Environment (Greenhouse, Hydroponic, Nursery) (AFABACAL), Biology & Life Science Enrichment (Biotech, Genetics, Anatomy) (EDAMABAF)

Keywords

• Horticultural sciences education
• Floral design training
• Plant breeding research
• Controlled environment horticulture
• Agriculture extension services

Headquarters

HQ city

College Station

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Academic Tuition and Fees: Traditional university tuition for undergraduate and graduate degree programs in horticulture, including B.S. Horticulture, B.A. Horticulture, M.S. Horticulture, M.Agr. Horticulture, and Ph.D. Horticulture programs.
2. Continuing Education Programs: The Benz School of Floral Design charges tuition for professional development courses including Basic Design Class ($1,700) and Advanced Classes ($600 each). These programs offer CEUs and lead to professional certifications.
3. Donations and Grants: Development office accepts donations through Texas A&M Foundation to support student success, faculty endeavors, and department programs. Industry partnerships and corporate giving programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Department of Horticultural Sciences delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in horticulture, four undergraduate certificate programs, and continuing education through the Benz School of Floral Design. It conducts 15 areas of horticultural research spanning plant breeding, genomics, controlled environment horticulture, viticulture, and postharvest physiology, and operates statewide extension programming through Texas A&M AgriLife including the Junior Master Gardener and Earth-Kind programs.

Product overview

Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences offers a portfolio of academic degree programs (B.S., B.A., M.S., M.Agr., Ph.D.) and specialized certificate programs as its core educational offerings. The department houses the renowned Benz School of Floral Design (with Basic/Advanced classes and certification prep), the Spirited Learning experiential learning program, and the M. Benz Gallery of Floral Art. Additional offerings include Aggie Horticulture digital resources, the Junior Master Gardener youth program, Earth-Kind Environmental Stewardship, and the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center research unit. Together these programs serve students, industry professionals, and communities through education, research, and extension services focused on horticulture, plant sciences, and sustainable agriculture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• B.S. and B.A. Horticulture Degree Programs Two- to four-year undergraduate degree programs (B.S. Horticulture and B.A. Horticulture) preparing students for careers in landscape design, plant breeding, floral design, urban farming, vineyard management, and sustainable agriculture.
• Graduate Degree Programs (M.S., M.Agr., Ph.D. Horticulture) Research-oriented graduate degree programs in Horticultural Sciences including M.S. Horticulture (Thesis Option), M.Agr. Horticulture (Non-Thesis Option), and Ph.D. Horticulture for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers.
• Undergraduate Certificate Programs Four specialized undergraduate certificate programs: Controlled Environment Horticulture, Floral Design, Sustainable Interior and Exterior Green Space Management, and Viticulture and Enology.
• Benz School of Floral Design Continuing Education Professional floral design continuing education program offering Basic Design Class (two-week foundational course, $1,700), Advanced Classes ($600 each), and three certification levels (Entry, Advanced, Distinguished), as well as preparation for the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential. The program is also delivered internationally through the Benz School Korea satellite program.
• Spirited Learning Industry Engagement Program Monthly experiential learning and industry engagement program held at the Shirley & Joe Swinbank '74 AgriLife Center in College Station, connecting students with 50+ Texas horticulture companies through tastings, presentations, and networking.
• Horticulture Exploration Day Annual outreach event for high school students and parents to explore horticulture degree programs and career pathways, featuring emphasis area sessions. Cost is $15 per person with optional lunch.
• Aggie Horticulture Digital Resource Platform Self-serve digital platform providing Extension publications, factsheets, newsletters, academic course websites, and research information from faculty for students, producers, professionals, and gardeners of Texas.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 40 peach varieties and multiple crop varieties developed including Rio Gold Melon, 1015Y onion, and Betasweet Maroon carrot
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

55 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Chapelton VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured guest at Spirited Learning Spring 2025 event. Donates wine for tastings and provides industry insights to students about wine production and career pathways in viticulture.
• What's The Buzz Coffee Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured guest at Spirited Learning Spring 2025, showcasing coffee industry connections to horticulture and providing product samples to event attendees.
• Uplift VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025 event, participating in industry spotlight and product tastings for students.
• Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2025, connecting students with pecan industry career opportunities.
• Idalou Harvest Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025. Company focuses on orchard, vineyard, and winery operations representing diverse Texas horticulture sectors.
• Ball Horticultural Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025, providing insights into commercial horticultural plant production and breeding.
• Messina Hof Wine CellarscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025. Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bonarrigo is listed on department's industry advisory connections. Major Texas winery demonstrating industry-academia partnership.
• Pedernales CellarsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024, participating in wine tastings and industry discussions with students.
• SwiftRiver PecansminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024. Owner Troy Swift connects students with pecan industry career pathways.
• Magnolia Gardens NurseryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024, showcasing ornamental plant nursery operations.
• Reddy VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024, connecting students with vineyard management careers.
• Millican Pecan CominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024. President Winston Millican represents pecan industry on industry advisory connections.
• Landon WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024, participating in wine industry showcase.
• Altman PlantsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, showcasing large-scale ornamental plant production.
• Newsom VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, connecting students with wine grape production.
• William Chris VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022 and Spring 2022, representing Texas boutique winery sector.
• Becker VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2023, showcasing Texas Hill Country winery operations.
• Haak WinesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, highlighting Santa Fe Flier's wine production.
• Bending Branch WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2022, showcasing Texas wine industry career opportunities.
• Lost Oak WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2022, connecting students with winery operations.
• Frio Canyon VineyardminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2022, representing Texas vineyard operations.
• B. Blumen Flower FarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, showcasing cut flower production.
• Sunset Hill Tree FarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, connecting students with Christmas tree farming.
• Duane Patrick (Sunset Hill Tree Farm/Pollo Rosa Vineyard)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Listed on industry advisory connections representing Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association and Texas Grape Growers.
• Karen Bonarrigo (Messina Hof)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Chief Administrative Officer at Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc. and President of Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) for 2026. Connects winery operations with department programs.
• Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025State industry association for wine and grape growers. President Karen Bonarrigo (Messina Hof) serves as TWGGA President 2026. Connects industry workforce needs with department training programs.
• Texas A&M SAIFD Student ChapterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Student American Institute of Floral Designers chapter featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2025, connecting student floral designers with industry.
• Rivenburgh WineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025, showcasing boutique wine production.
• Texas Heritage VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025, representing Texas heritage wine production.
• The Pecan ShedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2025, showcasing pecan products and industry.
• Sandy Road VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2024, representing Texas wine industry.
• 12 Fires Winery & VineyardminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, showcasing wine production.
• Hye Meadows WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, representing Texas Hill Country wine region.
• Elisa Christopher WinesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, showcasing boutique wine production.
• Threshold VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, representing vineyard operations.
• En Gedi VineyardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, connecting students with wine industry.
• Portree CellarsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2023, representing wine production.
• Kerrville Hills WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2023, showcasing Texas wine industry.
• Pebble Rock CellarsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2022, representing wine production.
• Pollo Rosa Vineyard and WineryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, combining vineyard and poultry operations.
• Bull Lion Ranch and VineyardminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Spring 2023, representing integrated ranch and vineyard.
• Rio Bravo Pecan Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2022, showcasing pecan processing.
• AndustoriaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Featured at Spirited Learning Fall 2023, representing wine industry.
• Texas International Produce AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident & CEO Dante Galeazzi listed on industry advisory connections, representing produce industry workforce and training needs.
• Texas Nursery & Landscape AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident/CEO Amy Graham listed on industry advisory connections. Represents nursery and landscape industry connecting with horticulture graduates.
• Texas State Florists' AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Marisa Guerrero (Debbie's Bloomers) and Executive Director Michelle Karns listed on industry connections. Connects floral industry with Benz School certification programs.
• Texas Christmas Tree Growers AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Elect Georganne Schuch listed on industry advisory connections. Represents Christmas tree growers with workforce connections.
• Texas Pecan Growers AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlair Krebs listed on industry advisory connections, representing pecan industry research and training needs.
• Texas Association of Olive OilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Michael Walzel listed on industry advisory connections, representing emerging olive oil industry.
• Texas Blueberry Marketing AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Duane Willis listed on industry advisory connections, representing blueberry industry.
• Benz School KoreacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational satellite school located in Seoul, South Korea. Established under Bill McKinley's leadership (2011-2025), has awarded over 1,600 certificates to floral students and taught American floral art to over 25 professional floral educators. Represents major international extension of Benz School programs.
• American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBenz School is an AIFD Educational Partner, preparing students for CFD (Certified Floral Designer) credential through written and hands-on evaluations. CFD is a nationally recognized credential in floral design.
• Texas A&M AgriLifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartment is part of Texas A&M AgriLife which includes AgriLife Extension Service, AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab. Provides integrated research and extension infrastructure.
• College of Agriculture & Life SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartment is part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, providing academic structure and administrative support.
• Shirley & Joe Swinbank '74 AgriLife CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Spirited Learning events located at 556 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station. Donors and namesake of facility supporting industry-academia engagement.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Michigan State University Department of Horticulture: Long-established land-grant horticulture department with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. offerings and strong Extension roots serving fruit, vegetable, ornamental, and greenhouse industries. Direct peer for student enrollment and applied horticulture research benchmarks.
• University of Florida Department of Environmental Horticulture: Land-grant counterpart offering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in environmental horticulture with deep extension reach across Florida's ornamental, fruit, and vegetable industries. Directly comparable as a peer academic department serving a major state horticulture industry through teaching, research, and Extension.
• Iowa State University Department of Horticulture: Land-grant horticulture program offering undergraduate and graduate degrees with a similar extension/research model. Serves as a like-for-like comparison on curriculum structure, faculty size, and state horticulture industry engagement.
• UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences: Major land-grant plant sciences department covering horticulture, breeding, viticulture and enology, with strong international wine/viticulture and vegetable IP programs. Competes head-to-head with Texas A&M for graduate students, research grants, and plant variety commercialization in fruit, nut, and wine crops.
• Purdue University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture: Land-grant counterpart combining horticulture and landscape architecture, with overlapping emphasis areas on controlled environment horticulture, plant breeding, and urban/landscape horticulture. Closely comparable academic structure.
• Oregon State University Department of Horticulture: Land-grant horticulture department with major Extension/nursery research footprint in berries, nursery, and ornamental crops. Comparable to Texas A&M in structure, Extension ties, and applied breeding output.
• The Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science: Land-grant horticulture and crop science department offering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in horticulture with strong greenhouse, floriculture, and fruit/vegetable research. Direct peer for ranking comparisons and faculty recruitment.
• University of Georgia Department of Horticulture: Land-grant horticulture department serving Georgia's fruit, vegetable, ornamental, and nut industries through teaching, research, and Extension. Matches Texas A&M in scope and applied-research positioning.
• Cornell University School of Integrative Plant Science – Horticulture Section: Top-tier horticulture academic unit with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs focused on plant breeding, controlled environment agriculture, and viticulture. A direct competitor for #1 student placement, faculty hires, and externally sponsored research in specialty crops.

Others

• American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD): National floral-design credentialing body whose Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential underpins the Benz School's premium continuing-ed program. Not a direct academic peer but an adjacent ecosystem participant that defines and certifies the credential pipeline the department's floral school feeds into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tamuhort
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/AggieHorticulture
• Facebookfacebook.com/TAMUHorticulturalSciences
• Instagraminstagram.com/tamuhort
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horticultural-sciences-tamu

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences