Texas Horticulturist Licensing Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales |2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following soil types has the highest water-holding
capacity?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Loam
D. Silt
Clay particles are small and compact, which allows them to retain
water more effectively than other soil types.
2. What is the primary macronutrient responsible for promoting root
development in plants?
A. Nitrogen
B. Phosphorus
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Phosphorus encourages root growth and flower/fruit development.
,3. Which USDA hardiness zone is most of Central Texas located in?
A. Zone 6
B. Zone 8
C. Zone 9
D. Zone 10
Central Texas primarily falls under Zone 8, which ranges from 10°F to
20°F in winter.
4. What is the function of stomata in plant leaves?
A. Nutrient absorption
B. Structural support
C. Flower production
D. Gas exchange
Stomata regulate gas exchange, allowing CO₂ in and O₂ out during
photosynthesis.
5. What pH range is generally optimal for most ornamental plants?
A. 3.0–4.5
B. 5.0–5.5
C. 6.0–7.0
D. 8.0–9.0
A slightly acidic to neutral pH supports optimal nutrient availability
for most plants.
6. Which tool is best suited for pruning small branches less than 1/2 inch
in diameter?
A. Loppers
B. Hand pruners
C. Pruning saw
D. Hedge shears
Hand pruners are ideal for clean cuts on small stems and branches.
, 7. What is the term for a plant that completes its life cycle in one
growing season?
A. Biennial
B. Annual
C. Perennial
D. Deciduous
Annuals grow, flower, produce seed, and die within a single season.
8. Which of the following is a warm-season turfgrass commonly used in
Texas?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Perennial ryegrass
C. Bermuda grass
D. Tall fescue
Bermuda grass thrives in Texas heat and is drought tolerant.
9. The best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide in Texas to control
summer weeds is:
A. January
B. June
C. March
D. October
March is ideal for pre-emergent herbicides to prevent germination of
summer annual weeds.
10. Which of the following is a dioecious plant?
A. Tomato
B. Sunflower
C. Oak
D. Holly
Hollies have separate male and female plants; only females produce
berries.
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales |2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following soil types has the highest water-holding
capacity?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Loam
D. Silt
Clay particles are small and compact, which allows them to retain
water more effectively than other soil types.
2. What is the primary macronutrient responsible for promoting root
development in plants?
A. Nitrogen
B. Phosphorus
C. Potassium
D. Calcium
Phosphorus encourages root growth and flower/fruit development.
,3. Which USDA hardiness zone is most of Central Texas located in?
A. Zone 6
B. Zone 8
C. Zone 9
D. Zone 10
Central Texas primarily falls under Zone 8, which ranges from 10°F to
20°F in winter.
4. What is the function of stomata in plant leaves?
A. Nutrient absorption
B. Structural support
C. Flower production
D. Gas exchange
Stomata regulate gas exchange, allowing CO₂ in and O₂ out during
photosynthesis.
5. What pH range is generally optimal for most ornamental plants?
A. 3.0–4.5
B. 5.0–5.5
C. 6.0–7.0
D. 8.0–9.0
A slightly acidic to neutral pH supports optimal nutrient availability
for most plants.
6. Which tool is best suited for pruning small branches less than 1/2 inch
in diameter?
A. Loppers
B. Hand pruners
C. Pruning saw
D. Hedge shears
Hand pruners are ideal for clean cuts on small stems and branches.
, 7. What is the term for a plant that completes its life cycle in one
growing season?
A. Biennial
B. Annual
C. Perennial
D. Deciduous
Annuals grow, flower, produce seed, and die within a single season.
8. Which of the following is a warm-season turfgrass commonly used in
Texas?
A. Kentucky bluegrass
B. Perennial ryegrass
C. Bermuda grass
D. Tall fescue
Bermuda grass thrives in Texas heat and is drought tolerant.
9. The best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide in Texas to control
summer weeds is:
A. January
B. June
C. March
D. October
March is ideal for pre-emergent herbicides to prevent germination of
summer annual weeds.
10. Which of the following is a dioecious plant?
A. Tomato
B. Sunflower
C. Oak
D. Holly
Hollies have separate male and female plants; only females produce
berries.
