ABC Gardening Australia presenter Colin Campbell has died from cancer on the Sunshine Coast at the age of 78.

Mr Campbell also hosted a radio talkback program about gardening and contributed to newspapers and magazines.

He wrote for Gardening Australia Magazine and Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper

Former Gardening Australia colleague Peter Cundall says Campbell will be sorely missed.

"One of his great characteristics of course, he not only had an enormous knowledge of gardening of different types of horticulture, but he was so experienced he could put even the most complex task into the most simple language and make it seem extraordinarily easy," he said.

"He'll be not only sorely missed, but I think a person like Colin Campbell can never be replaced."

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has told State Parliament that Campbell was a great advocate for gardeners.

"He was one of the most knowledgeable and respected people in his field," Mr Newman said.

"His influence in the horticultural industry spread over five decades.

"Col received many accolades and awards for his contribution to the industry he dearly loved."

Campbell was founding president for the Queensland State Council of Australian Institute of Horticulture, as well as founding member for the Horticultural Media Association Queensland.

He was a nominee for Queenslander of the Year, Australian of the Year and one of Queensland's Greats.

In 2007, he was awarded the Order of Australia medal for service to horticulture.