11 Plant Nurseries in Stuart, FL
Showing 11 verified nurseries & garden centers near you
Top Rated Farms in STUART
Lychee Tree Nursery
Production Tropical Fruit Nursery. Top products: Flowering trees, Shade trees, Tropical fruit trees. Lychee Tree Nursery is a long-standing, family-owned and operated production tree nursery based in Stuart, Florida. With over 50 years of experience in the horticultural industry, the nursery specializes in the cultivation and sale of a diverse range of flowering, shade, and tropical fruit trees. Operating from a dedicated facility on Kanner Highway, the business serves as both a production site and a retail destination for local customers, including homeowners and landscaping professionals. Their operations are centered on providing high-quality plant stock suitable for the Florida climate. The nursery maintains standard weekday business hours and is recognized for its longevity and regional expertise in tree propagation and nursery management. Their core offerings are categorized into specialized lists for flowering/shade varieties and tropical fruit-bearing trees, supporting both residential landscape development and agricultural tree planting needs.
Big Pine Nurseries-Martin County
New Shoots Bamboo Nursery
Clumping Bamboo Specialty Nursery. Top products: Non-invasive clumping bamboo, Privacy hedges, Ornamental bamboo. New Shoots Bamboo Nursery specializes in the cultivation and sale of non-invasive clumping bamboo varieties specifically suited for Southern climates. The nursery focuses on providing high-quality bamboo plants intended for use as privacy buffers and aesthetic garden elements. Their operation distinguishes between clumping and running bamboo, emphasizing the management of growth habits to ensure these plants are suitable for residential and commercial landscape applications. The business serves homeowners and professional landscapers looking for sustainable, vertical screening solutions that offer year-round foliage. By providing expert guidance on plant selection, installation, and ongoing maintenance, New Shoots acts as a resource for those looking to establish bamboo privacy hedges. Their core offering includes the propagation and distribution of hardy, climate-adapted bamboo species designed to provide rapid growth for privacy screening while maintaining non-invasive characteristics within the landscape.
Creek Nursery
Wholesale and Retail Landscape Nursery. Top products: landscape shrubs, ornamental trees, field grown palms, container-grown landscape plants. Creek Nursery is a Florida-based wholesale and retail landscape nursery located in Stuart, specializing in a diverse range of ornamental plants for professional landscaping projects. The nursery maintains a significant inventory of containerized plants ranging from 3-gallon to 25-gallon sizes, alongside a selection of field-grown palm trees. Their primary business model centers on serving landscape contractors, developers, and local growers across Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Indian River counties, offering expedited loading services and regional delivery to support project efficiency. In addition to their onsite stock, the nursery provides procurement services to source specific plant varieties for client requirements. They also operate a retail division open to the public on Saturdays, bridging the gap between professional-grade horticultural supply and local homeowner needs. Their mission focuses on local supply chain reliability and plant quality for the South Florida market.
Moss and Muse
Retail plant and gift nursery. Top products: Vibrant houseplants, Outdoor greenery, Botanical workshop services. The Moss and Muse is a retail plant nursery and horticultural lifestyle center located in Stuart, Florida. The business focuses on providing a diverse selection of vibrant plants to both residential and local customers, catering to those seeking indoor greenery and outdoor botanical options. Beyond traditional retail nursery operations, the company distinguishes itself by fostering a community-centric environment that includes weekly outdoor markets, art walks, and educational workshops centered on nature and plant care. Their mission centers on the promotion of the aesthetic and psychological benefits of plant ownership. Operating out of a physical storefront on South Colorado Avenue, they serve as a community hub for plant enthusiasts while maintaining an active event calendar that bridges the gap between botanical retail and local cultural engagement. They provide direct customer consultations and personalized plant selection assistance, ensuring that patrons receive tailored advice for their specific environmental or design needs.
Fernlea Nurseries - Stuart
Wholesale Greenhouse Plant Producer. Top products: Dipladenias, Tropical plants, Hibiscus, Ferns, Vegetables and herbs. Fernlea is a large-scale commercial wholesale greenhouse grower based in Canada, specializing in the cultivation and distribution of high-quality ornamental plants and edible crops. They supply a diverse range of botanical products including their signature Rio Dipladenias, Hibiscus, Hydrangeas, and various tropical varieties designed for both patio and landscape use. The company operates as a major horticultural supplier, distributing their branded plant lines across retail outlets in Canada and potentially beyond. Their growing operations emphasize professional greenhouse cultivation techniques, ensuring that plants are primed for high performance in outdoor or container environments. While they do not operate as a direct-to-consumer retail nursery, they maintain an extensive logistics network to inform consumers of stock availability at local retail partners. Their portfolio includes specialized lines such as Harvesthyme for vegetables and herbs, as well as various ornamental accents for container gardening.
Fernlea Nurseries Inc
Wholesale greenhouse plant grower. Top products: Dipladenia, Hibiscus, Tropical plants, Vegetables and Herbs, Ferns. Fernlea Nurseries Inc. is a major Canadian wholesale horticultural producer specializing in high-quality greenhouse-grown plants. The company operates as a large-scale supplier, cultivating an extensive range of ornamental tropicals, flowering annuals, ferns, hydrangeas, and edible vegetable and herb varieties. Their production focuses on plants optimized for container gardening, patio displays, and residential landscaping. Fernlea manages specific product lines such as Rio Dipladenia, Hawaiian Punch Hibiscus, and Harvesthyme vegetables, ensuring rigorous cultivation standards for optimal performance in various climates. While primarily a wholesale operation that distributes products to third-party retail garden centers and stores across Canada and the United States, they provide detailed horticultural guidance and care information to consumers. Their mission centers on providing hardy, visually impactful plants that simplify gardening for both novice and experienced growers.
South Florida Wholesale Nurseries
Wholesale Florida Landscape Nursery. Top products: Podocarpus, Clusia, Viburnum, Areca Palms, Florida Native Hedges. South Florida Wholesale Nurseries is a specialized horticultural provider serving the South Florida region, including Miami, Homestead, Broward, and Palm Beach. They focus on the production and supply of large-scale landscape material, with a primary emphasis on hedging, privacy screens, and tropical ornamental plants. Their extensive inventory includes a wide range of container sizes—from 1 gallon to massive 100-gallon specimens—as well as field-grown stock for mature landscaping projects. Key offerings include various species of Podocarpus, Clusia, Viburnum, and multiple palm varieties, alongside a significant selection of Florida native plants such as Simpson's Stopper and Jamaican Caper. The nursery caters to professional landscapers, property developers, and homeowners looking for high-quality, regionally appropriate greenery. With a business model centered on direct delivery and bulk availability, they function as a critical supply link for professional-grade landscaping installations.
TThe Butterfly Botanist
Native Pollinator Plant Nursery. Top products: Butterfly Milkweed Seeds, Pink Swamp Milkweed Seeds, Canna Lily Seeds. The Butterfly Botanist is a specialized horticultural operation focused on the cultivation and supply of seeds and plants specifically curated to support butterfly and pollinator populations. Their core product line includes native perennials such as Butterfly Milkweed and Pink Swamp Milkweed, as well as nectar-rich flowering varieties like Canna Lilies. The business emphasizes an ecologically conscious approach, utilizing seeds that they have personally tested and grown in their own gardens to ensure viability and performance. By providing high-quality plant stock, they cater to homeowners and gardening enthusiasts looking to establish pollinator-friendly sanctuaries and rain gardens. Operating as a niche nursery, they supplement their online seed sales with in-person plant availability by appointment and through local farmers markets, maintaining a direct connection with their customer base while promoting the conservation of butterfly habitats through sustainable gardening practices.
Local Nursery Scene in Stuart
Stuart, Florida, hosts a diverse range of 11 identified nurseries, ranging from specialized production facilities to boutique retail garden centers. The region's USDA Hardiness Zone 10a/10b climate requires gardeners to prioritize salt tolerance, drought resistance, and heat-loving cultivars. Most nurseries in the area reflect this, focusing on tropical fruit, palms, and native hedging. You will find that local suppliers often provide better acclimated stock compared to generic big-box retailers, as their inventory is grown specifically to survive the intense Florida sun and humidity cycles.
Comparison of Top Nurseries
| Nursery Name | Rating | Specialization | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orchids Garden Nursery | 4.1 | General plant nursery | Maps Search |
| Lychee Tree Nursery | 4.4 | Tropical fruit/shade trees | Maps Search |
| Big Pine Nurseries | 3.6 | General plant nursery | Maps Search |
| New Shoots Bamboo Nursery | 4.6 | Clumping bamboo | Maps Search |
| Creek Nursery | 4.8 | Landscape shrubs/palms | Wholesale/Retail |
| Greenhouse of the palm beaches | 5.0 | General plant nursery | Maps Search |
| Moss and Muse | 5.0 | Houseplants/retail | Retail/Lifestyle |
| Fernlea Nurseries (Stuart) | 4.2 | Wholesale greenhouse | Wholesale |
| Fernlea Nurseries Inc | 5.0 | Wholesale greenhouse | Wholesale |
| South Florida Wholesale Nurseries | N/A | Bulk landscape stock | Wholesale |
Deep Dive into Nurseries
Orchids Garden Nursery focuses on general plant varieties suitable for the local climate. It serves as a reliable spot for casual gardeners looking for standard landscape additions.
Lychee Tree Nursery operates as a production facility with five decades of experience. They specialize in high-quality shade and fruit-bearing trees tailored for Florida properties.
Big Pine Nurseries-Martin County provides a broad selection of general nursery stock. It is a functional stop for those needing standard botanical supplies in the Martin County area.
New Shoots Bamboo Nursery restricts its inventory to non-invasive clumping bamboo. They offer professional guidance on installation for homeowners seeking privacy screens without the spread associated with running bamboo.
Creek Nursery bridges the gap between wholesale and retail, offering a wide array of palms and shrubs. They excel at serving commercial landscape projects while opening their doors to the public on Saturdays.
Greenhouse of the palm beaches provides a general nursery selection for the region. The high rating suggests a strong focus on plant health and customer service standards.
Moss and Muse acts as a community-oriented lifestyle center. They provide houseplants and outdoor greenery alongside educational workshops that foster local gardening culture.
Fernlea Nurseries (Stuart) functions as a large-scale commercial producer. Their greenhouse techniques focus on high-performance ornamental plants like Hibiscus and Rio Dipladenias for container and patio use.
Fernlea Nurseries Inc maintains rigorous cultivation standards as a major wholesaler. Their product lines include edible herbs and various flowering annuals, primarily distributed through third-party retail partners.
South Florida Wholesale Nurseries operates on a direct-to-pro model. Their status as a wholesale-only provider means they focus on bulk inventory, such as Podocarpus and Clusia, for major landscaping and hedge installations.
Buying Guide for FL Gardeners
- Choose Natives: Plants like Simpson's Stopper or Jamaican Caper require less water and fertilizer. They are biologically equipped to handle Florida's specific soil chemistry and rainfall patterns.
- Check Root Health: When buying at a local nursery, inspect the root ball. Avoid plants that are root-bound or show signs of stress, such as yellowing foliage or signs of insect infestation.
- Prioritize Acclimation: Buy from nurseries that grow their stock in Florida. Plants sourced from greenhouses in northern climates often struggle to transition to the harsh UV exposure and sandy soils found in Stuart.
- Seasonality Matters: Planting in the cooler months, generally from October to April, reduces heat stress on new transplants. This allows roots to establish before the arrival of the intense summer drought period.
- Soil Amendments: Florida soil is often sandy and lacking in organic matter. Always ask local nursery staff for specific mulch and compost recommendations that will help retain moisture for your new plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time of year to plant in Stuart, Florida?
A: The ideal time for planting in Stuart is during the cooler months, typically between October and April. This allows the plant's root system to establish itself before the arrival of Florida's extreme summer heat and frequent drought periods. Planting during this window significantly increases the survival rate and reduces the need for supplemental irrigation during the critical early growth phases.
Q: Why should I choose a local nursery over a big-box store?
A: Local nurseries in Stuart provide plants that are already acclimated to the specific local climate, humidity, and soil conditions of Martin County. Unlike big-box stores that often ship inventory from national suppliers with different climate profiles, local growers offer species proven to thrive locally. Additionally, the expert staff at a specialized nursery can provide personalized advice on maintenance and pest control specific to your property.
Q: What are the benefits of planting Florida native species?
A: Native Florida plants have evolved to handle the local climate without the need for excessive chemical fertilizers or constant irrigation. By choosing natives like Simpson's Stopper, you support local pollinators and reduce the environmental impact of your landscape. These plants are uniquely resilient against local pests and the harsh South Florida sun, leading to a landscape that requires far less long-term maintenance and expense.
Q: What is the difference between a wholesale nursery and a retail garden center?
A: A wholesale nursery generally sells in bulk to landscaping professionals and developers, often requiring a license for purchase. Some, like Creek Nursery, may offer retail hours on specific days. A retail garden center is designed for the general public, providing individual plant sales, professional advice, and smaller quantities of supplies like mulch, soil amendments, and decorative pots for residential projects.
Q: How can I improve my sandy Florida soil for new plantings?
A: Florida's sandy soil drains quickly and lacks nutrients. To improve it, amend the soil with high-quality organic matter such as compost or peat moss before planting. This increases the soil's water-holding capacity and provides a steady nutrient supply. When planting, mix the native soil with organic matter in the hole to help roots transition, and use a layer of organic mulch on top to retain moisture.
⭐ 4.5 average rating across 11 verified nurseries in Stuart
The most popular reviews:
They are a warm, friendly couple that literally know everything about plants. The proof is in the store, along with beautiful handmade art and jewelry.
— Moss and MuseI have worked with this group gor 8 years. I love the way they do business, their efficiency,, and the people. Always friendly always helpful and always appreciative. Thank you for the care and great job!!!
— Fernlea Nurseries IncWhile I didn't purchase my bamboo from here, they answered the phone and were extremely helpful in trying to assist me finding someone to maintain my existing bamboo on property.
— New Shoots Bamboo NurseryThey went ABOVE AND BEYOND You can 100% trust this company for the best customer service and prices
— Creek Nursery