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7 Plant Nurseries in Stillwater, MN

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Top Rated Farms in STILLWATER

Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses
💬 244 reviews4.4
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Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses

Retail nursery and greenhouse. Top products: Hanging Baskets, Bedding Plants, Patio Pots, Annuals, Vegetable starts. Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses is an established horticultural business based in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, with over 40 years of operational experience. The farm specializes in the retail production and sale of ornamental and edible plants, catering primarily to local home gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts. Their product catalog features a diverse range of high-quality seasonal offerings, including decorative hanging baskets, a wide selection of bedding plants, prepared patio pots, annual flowers, and vegetable starts. Beyond direct plant sales, the business provides expert guidance on plant care and maintenance, including specific advice on soil selection, fertilization protocols, and optimal watering techniques to ensure customer success. By maintaining a brick-and-mortar location with seasonal operating hours, they foster a community-focused environment that emphasizes hands-on gardening, seasonal planning, and personalized horticultural support for their clientele.

📍11211 60th St N
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Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm
💬 199 reviews4.6
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Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm

Christmas Tree Farm. Top products: Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Wreaths, Spruce Tops. Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm is a multi-generational horticultural operation based in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, that has been cultivating trees since 1954. Situated on land farmed by the same family since 1916, the business specializes in the production and retail of various conifer species, including Balsam, Fraser, Korean, and Siberian Firs, as well as White and Norway Pines. The farm operates as an agritourism destination, providing both 'cut-your-own' and pre-cut tree options to the general public during the holiday season. Beyond live trees, their horticultural offerings include handcrafted wreaths, swags, garland, and ornamental spruce tops. The farm places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices throughout their tree cultivation cycle. Their business model centers on creating a family-oriented experiential harvest, while maintaining professional tree care standards to ensure high-quality, sheared specimens for residential customers.

📍10970 43rd St N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, USA
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Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse
💬 95 reviews4.5
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Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse

Full-Service Retail Garden Center. Top products: annual bedding plants, perennials, vegetable starts, trees and shrubs, hanging baskets. Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse is a multi-generational horticultural operation based in Stillwater, Minnesota. The business functions as a comprehensive retail garden center and plant nursery, specializing in the cultivation and sale of high-quality plant material suitable for the local climate. Their primary offerings include a wide selection of annual bedding plants, perennial flowers, cold-hardy trees, and ornamental shrubs. Beyond decorative nursery stock, they are well-known for their production of vegetable and herb starts, catering to home gardeners and local food enthusiasts. The facility includes expansive greenhouse space where they manage the propagation and growth of seasonal crops, including spring baskets and fall decorative items like pumpkins and squash. Serving both retail homeowners and landscape enthusiasts, Axdahl's emphasizes local growing practices and provides seasonal gardening supplies to support local horticulture. Their operations are deeply rooted in the St. Croix Valley community, maintaining a focus on plant health, seasonal variety, and reliable agricultural production.

📍7452 Manning Ave N
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Costa Produce Farm & Greenhouse
💬 75 reviews4.6
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Costa Produce Farm & Greenhouse

Annuals and Edible Plant Nursery. Top products: Annual bedding plants, Hanging baskets, Patio planters, Vegetable starts, Herbs. Costa Produce Farm and Greenhouse is a horticultural operation located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, specializing in the production of high-quality annuals, ornamental plants, and edible crops. The greenhouse division focuses on a diverse range of container gardening products, including professional-grade hanging baskets, decorative patio planters, herbs, and vegetable starts suitable for home gardens. In addition to their nursery operations, the farm maintains a roadside stand that offers locally grown, GMO-free produce during the summer months. By cultivating their own stock, they serve a local customer base of home gardeners and plant enthusiasts, providing both finished plant material and seasonal vegetables. Their operational model bridges the gap between a traditional nursery and a diversified farm, emphasizing local production and high-quality seasonal output. The business maintains a strong focus on community engagement through their participation in regional farmers' markets and direct-to-consumer retail sales at their farm location.

📍9411 Dellwood Rd, St Paul, MN 55115, USA
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Blacks Greenhouse
💬 65 reviews4.7
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Blacks Greenhouse

Retail Annuals and Perennials Nursery. Top products: annuals, perennials. Blacks Greenhouse is a family-owned and operated garden center serving the St. Croix Valley for over 40 years. Now in its second generation of ownership, the business focuses on providing a diverse selection of annuals and perennials to local homeowners and gardening enthusiasts. The greenhouse maintains a customer-centric approach, emphasizing staff expertise to assist clients in designing garden arrangements. Beyond their horticultural offerings, the business is known for its community-oriented atmosphere, welcoming visitors to their facility where staff with a dedicated passion for plants provide personalized guidance. The operation combines traditional retail nursery practices with a friendly, family-run environment, ensuring a wide variety of seasonal plant stock is available to keep customer landscapes updated and vibrant throughout the growing season.

📍15743 Hudson Rd N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
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J & S Greenhouse
💬 8 reviews5
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J & S Greenhouse

📍1408 Co Rd V, Houlton, WI 54082, USA
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No website listed
Oddly Specific Plants
💬 1 reviews5
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Oddly Specific Plants

Specialty Epiphyte and Kokedama Nursery. Top products: Epiphytes, Kokedama, Specialized substrates, Ornamental houseplants. Oddly Specific Plants is a specialized horticultural studio located in historic Stillwater, Minnesota, focusing on the curation and cultivation of unique botanical specimens. With over 20 years of industry experience, the proprietor maintains a highly selective inventory centered on epiphytes and the traditional Japanese art of Kokedama. The business emphasizes the importance of plant health and appropriate substrate composition, ensuring that each specimen is grown or curated for longevity and aesthetic distinction. Unlike large-scale garden centers, this studio operates as a boutique nursery, serving hobbyists and plant enthusiasts who seek non-ordinary botanical specimens. The business model utilizes a digital storefront for browsing and purchasing, complemented by scheduled studio appointments for selection and local pickup or delivery. Their mission focuses on sourcing high-quality, unique plants through established horticultural contacts, providing a specialized resource for those interested in indoor botanical artistry and rare plant care.

📍2nd Street North, Stillwater, Minnesota, 55082, US
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Local Nursery Scene in Stillwater

Stillwater and the surrounding Lake Elmo area support a robust network of horticultural businesses. My analysis of the local market identifies seven primary suppliers. These range from established, multi-generational farms to specialized botanical studios. A local garden center provides more than just inventory; it offers a competitive advantage through climate-acclimated plant stock. Understanding regional USDA Hardiness Zones—primarily Zone 4 in the St. Croix Valley—is critical for success. Selecting plants from local growers reduces transplant shock and ensures specimens can survive Minnesota's harsh winter freezes and fluctuating spring temperatures.

Comparison of Top Nurseries

Nursery NameRatingSpecializationType
Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses4.4Annuals & Vegetable StartsRetail Nursery
Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm4.6Conifers & WreathsChristmas Tree Farm
Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse4.5Trees, Shrubs, PerennialsGarden Center
Costa Produce Farm & Greenhouse4.6Edibles & Container PlantsFarm & Greenhouse
Blacks Greenhouse4.7Annuals & PerennialsRetail Nursery
J & S Greenhouse5.0General PlantsGeneral Nursery
Oddly Specific Plants5.0Epiphytes & KokedamaSpecialized Studio

Deep Dive into Nurseries

Country Sun Farm & Greenhouses brings over 40 years of experience to Lake Elmo. They focus on seasonal aesthetics like hanging baskets and patio pots, supported by specific advice on soil and fertilization. Their business model relies on seasonal operation to keep their stock fresh and relevant for local gardeners.

Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm has operated since 1954. They specialize in various firs and pines, maintaining high horticultural standards for sheared specimens. Beyond their winter tree harvest, they utilize sustainable agricultural practices for long-term land stewardship.

Axdahl's Garden Farm & Greenhouse serves the St. Croix Valley as a full-service garden center. They propagate a wide range of annuals, perennials, and hardy trees suited to the local climate. Their expansive greenhouse space allows them to manage crops from start to finish, ensuring consistent quality for home landscapes.

Costa Produce Farm & Greenhouse balances a traditional nursery with a productive farm. They produce high-quality vegetable starts and herbs alongside decorative patio planters. Their direct-to-consumer model at the farm location ensures that gardeners get plants that are already hardened off for the local environment.

Blacks Greenhouse emphasizes staff expertise and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere. Serving the region for four decades, they focus on helping clients design garden arrangements with a diverse selection of annuals and perennials. This personalized approach helps beginners navigate the complexities of local planting.

J & S Greenhouse operates as a general plant nursery. While the footprint is smaller, their high customer rating suggests a commitment to plant health and reliable, general-purpose inventory for local buyers. Such locations are often the best sources for standard, high-turnover seasonal bedding plants.

Oddly Specific Plants represents the niche end of the market in historic Stillwater. Specializing in epiphytes and Japanese Kokedama, they offer non-ordinary specimens that require specialized substrate and care. Their digital-first storefront and studio appointment model cater to collectors seeking longevity and artistic botanical distinction.

Buying Guide for MN Gardeners

  • Climate Acclimation: Buy from growers who produce their plants locally. Plants raised in Minnesota greenhouses are naturally adapted to our sunlight duration and temperature ranges, unlike imports from southern wholesale nurseries.
  • Native Species: Prioritize Minnesota-native plants. These species provide essential food and habitat for local pollinators and require significantly less supplemental water and chemical fertilizers once established.
  • Health Inspection: Before purchasing, inspect foliage for signs of pests or disease. A healthy plant should show active growth, firm stems, and no signs of wilting despite recent heat.
  • Soil Prep: Minnesota soil often requires amendments. Test your pH levels before choosing acid-loving plants like blueberries or certain conifers. Local nurseries often sell specific soil mixes tailored to the area’s clay or sandy loam compositions.
  • Timing: Do not rush the spring season. Wait for the final frost date—typically mid-to-late May in the St. Croix Valley—before moving tender annuals or vegetable starts into outdoor beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is buying from a local nursery better than a big-box store?

A: Local nurseries grow plants in conditions that mirror your own backyard. Big-box store inventory is often shipped from distant, warmer climates, subjecting plants to significant stress. Local growers provide staff with regional expertise who can offer specific guidance on soil types, pest management for Minnesota insects, and proper winterization for your local zone.

Q: What is the best time to plant in Stillwater, Minnesota?

A: For most annuals and vegetable starts, the safest window begins after the last frost, usually mid-to-late May. Perennials and hardy shrubs can be planted earlier in the spring or during the cooler months of autumn, which allows root systems to establish before the intense heat of summer or the deep freeze of winter.

Q: How do I know if a plant is hardy for the St. Croix Valley?

A: Stillwater falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 4. When purchasing plants, check the label for a hardiness rating of 4 or lower. A rating of 3 or 4 indicates the plant can survive the deep winter temperatures of our region, whereas plants rated for Zone 5 or higher may require significant protection or perish during a typical winter.

Q: What soil amendments are recommended for Minnesota gardens?

A: Many parts of Minnesota feature heavy clay or compacted soil. Incorporating organic matter like finished compost or aged manure is the best way to improve drainage and aeration. If your soil is sandy, organic matter helps retain moisture and nutrients. Always test your soil pH first, as amendments like lime or sulfur should only be added if testing confirms a deficiency.

Q: What is the difference between a garden center and a nursery?

A: A nursery is primarily a place where plants are propagated and grown. A garden center is a retail-focused establishment that may grow some of its own stock but also imports various goods, including hardscaping materials, tools, pottery, fertilizers, and garden decor. Many local businesses function as both, offering the convenience of a shop with the horticultural expertise of a grower.

⭐ 4.7 average rating across 7 verified nurseries in Stillwater

The most popular reviews:

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Linda Nguyena month ago

Great local greenhouse that has specialties you can't find like Nora Barlow, ornamental oregano, gas plant, and a lot of other surprises. They hlhas a sleeping pupper when I was there.

Blacks Greenhouse
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ROSE5 months ago

We got a beautiful white pine. We renamed him Louie beautiful the Tree ID was 7C115 we bought this tree worth every penny the tree is so big and beautiful and it was so amazing. We’re having a hard time getting rid of it. Thank you Krueger‘s for such an amazing tree. May Jesus bless you all 2025, 2026. Earl and Mary….. This tree farms like no other there’s not another one like it the best tree farm around….. We love you thank you for being such a blessing to us

Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm
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Connie Kraemer8 months ago

I have been buying plants from Bonnie since Covid started. She is informative on how to care for your plants, how big they will get etc. Her plants are primo! I have gotten such amazing types of plants thru out the years! Her packaging 📦 of plants that she mails is impressive. They always arrived safe and sound. She is fussy about the plants she chooses is spot on. Buy from Bonnie's shop with confidence! You won't regret it! Thank you Bonnie...owner of Oddly Specific Plants!

Oddly Specific Plants