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The Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida is a team of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to improving fruit and vegetable production for the benefit of farmers and consumers. Florida’s climatic diversity and the facilities at UF provide opportunities for research with temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical crops on a nearly year-round basis. We conduct cutting-edge research in plant breeding & genetics, plant and environmental physiology, fruit & vegetable production, postharvest physiology, biochemistry, and other disciplines. We offer high-quality education and training for undergraduate and graduate students to equip them with the skills needed to be successful in satisfying, high-paying careers. Our diverse faculty is located throughout the state, integrating our research/teaching/extension programs to provide practical experience for our students, technical support for our farmers, relevance for our horticulture industry, and a pipeline to bring leading research from our labs to you.

 
Agriculture

UF scientists plan to lengthen the shelf life of artichokes

We’re in the heart of Florida’s artichoke season, so when you go to the grocery store, you want this consumer favorite to be ripe and fresh. But the vegetable has a short shelf life – about two days at 62 degrees, University of Florida experts say. UF/IFAS researchers are using genetics to preserve artichokes another day or two, which helps everyone in the food chain – from Read More

UF/IFAS

Artichokes, known as a healthy food crop, also make for pretty plants

Did you know you can plant artichokes in your garden or landscape as well as eat them? That’s because the artichokes you eat are, in fact, immature flower buds. It’s a timely topic because Florida’s artichoke harvesting season runs from January through May, depending on your location. “Many home gardeners love artichokes, mostly as edibles,” said Read More