Harry C. Kohl Jr.

Profile photo of Harry Charles Kohl Jr.

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus of Environmental Horticulture, Department Chair
1919-1996

HARRY CHARLES KOHL, JR.

Birth: 1919, St. Louis, Missouri
Death: September 23, 1996, Davis, California

Education

  • B.S., Horticulture, University of Illinois, 1940
  • M.S., Floriculture, University of Illinois, 1948
  • Ph.D., Floriculture, Cornell University, 1950 (Advisor: Kenneth Post)

Military Service

  • U.S. Cavalry and Army Air Corps, World War II (Major)
  • Fighter pilot service in China and India

Employment

  • Professor, Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture, UCLA, 1953–1963
  • Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UC Davis, 1963–1986
    • UCLA and UC Davis departments were combined in 1963
  • Chair, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UC Davis, 1966–1973

Honors, Awards, and Professional Societies

  • Fellow, American Society for Horticultural Science
  • Chair, Floriculture Section, ASHS
  • Member, Industry Coordination Committee, ASHS

Research Contributions and Impact

Harry Kohl made foundational contributions to floriculture, linking basic research with applied innovations for California’s commercial greenhouse sector. His work focused on crop productivity, flower senescence, and production efficiency. As an emeritus, he led breeding efforts on cyclamen and carnations and launched a study on seed-propagated Easter lilies that remains influential. His research was widely recognized, with more than 160 publications in scientific and industry venues, and support from both government and private sectors.

Publications and Scholarly Leadership

  • Author of over 160 scientific and popular articles

Teaching and Mentorship

  • Highly regarded instructor in floricultural production
  • Early advocate of distance learning to broaden access to UC educational programs

Collaboration and Community

  • Executive Director, Saratoga Horticultural Foundation
  • Member, Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum
  • Active participant on department, college, and campus committees
  • Videographer and editor for the UC Davis Emeriti Association’s oral history project

Legacy

Harry Kohl was the founding chair of the Department of Environmental Horticulture at UC Davis and a national leader in floriculture. His legacy includes scientific innovations, departmental leadership, and continued influence on ornamental crop breeding and post-retirement outreach. His blend of intellect, humor, and commitment to community endures through the students, colleagues, and institutions he served.

References

For additional tributes, interviews, and biographies, see the following resources: