Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical backyard escape or seeking that one rare orchid to complete your collection, Sarasota is packed with unforgettable plant nurseries ready to spark inspiration. Finding the right spot can mean the difference between a thriving landscape and a wilted disappointment… but with so many options, where should you begin?
Let’s get to it.
Pura Vida Gardens
Starting as a casual backyard project, Pura Vida Gardens now spans five acres near Sarasota. The nursery offers familiar favorites—bird of paradise, palms, and a solid selection of shade trees—alongside fruit trees, native Florida species, and even the occasional exotic lily for adventurous gardeners. It still feels like a family operation, and about half the team holds horticulture training. Staff members speak both Spanish and English, so communication is never an issue.
Everything grows outdoors in neat rows and simple retail displays. Wide production fields give a rural farm vibe without an hour-long drive. Prices stay reasonable for this region, and if you feel overwhelmed by choices, landscape specialists guide you through plant selection. Same-day installation is available when inspiration strikes. Established in 2012, Pura Vida Gardens attracts hobbyists and professional landscapers alike, proving that a family-run nursery can meet every level of gardening ambition.
Florida Native Plants Nursery & Landscaping
On eight acres east of Sarasota, Florida Native Plants Nursery & Landscaping specializes in homegrown species and eco-friendly practices. The site features more than 100 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and groundcovers alongside edible starters like blueberry and elderberry. Monarch-supporting pink milkweed thrives here, too, supplied by growers focused on pollinators.
All plants begin as local seeds, and the nursery avoids chemical shortcuts. OMRI-approved fire ant control is the only modern concession, while rotating pastures of pigs and donkeys manage weeds naturally. Demonstration gardens showcase three-, five-, or ten-year growth, and swales and ponds illustrate true water-wise landscaping. With decades of staff experience, you’ll get solid advice on everything from tomato fails to ideal planting techniques.
Run by a local family team, the nursery has won awards for sustainable efforts and regularly hosts workshops. It has earned a reputation as a wildlife haven and a go-to for gardeners aiming to transform plain lawns into vibrant sanctuaries. Prices remain friendly, so you can build a native oasis without breaking the bank.
Tropiflora
Tropiflora occupies six acres in a semi-rural corner of Sarasota and caters to collectors seeking plants beyond the usual box-store offerings. The nursery stocks collector bromeliads, rare orchids, caudiciforms, spiny succulents, cycads, and palms—with names that test your pronunciation. They claim over 1.5 million plants in their catalog, and once you browse, it’s clear that rare and unusual specimens fill every shelf.
Family-owned since 1976, Tropiflora now involves the founders’ children in operations. Many plants originate from seeds and cuttings collected on over 100 expeditions across 27 countries. The layout blends display greenhouses and outdoor misting tunnels, plus a vast bromeliad section that often outnumbers local fern collections.
Pricing targets serious enthusiasts, though occasional $1 specials keep things approachable. Staff members lecture at plant events and can help both experts and newcomers. Their Cargo Report reads like an explorer’s journal, and the Fall Festival Open House draws collectors nationwide. Partnerships with zoos and botanical gardens reinforce Tropiflora’s status as a premier tropical plant destination.
Plantio La Orquidea
Plantio La Orquidea serves as a center for orchid aficionados in Sarasota. This family-owned nursery spans ten thousand square feet of greenhouses and outdoor display beds. Owners began local operations in 2003, building on family roots in Venezuela since 1952. Benches brim with warm-growing species and hybrids such as Cattleyas and Vandas. Collector’s Corner features rare varieties that appeal to serious collectors.
A fully equipped tissue culture lab on-site has produced new hybrids and rare species since 2015. A dedicated “New Arrivals” section showcases the latest lab-grown orchids. Mystery boxes and seedling specials add an element of surprise. Spring open-house events draw both local and visiting growers.
Prices fall in a mid-range bracket for premium orchids, with volume discounts available. Local shoppers may schedule curbside pickup. Otherwise, the nursery ships plants nationwide. For those who cannot visit in person, staff members offer virtual tours and cultivation advice. Plantio La Orquidea combines deep expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to keep orchids healthy and blooming.
Paradise Found Nursery
At Paradise Found Nursery in Sarasota, rare plant enthusiasts finally have a private retreat. Kate Brenner founded this woman-owned nursery in 2016 on private land. It combines a jungle atmosphere with a bonsai dojo vibe and a hint of laboratory precision. Propagation tables hold plants that resemble alien specimens, while demonstration beds feature Florida natives such as Sea Myrtle and Frogfruit.
The nursery’s collection includes Sansevieria, chunky caudiciforms, and precisely trimmed bonsai that reflect meticulous care. Visits are by appointment, so each customer enjoys a peaceful, hands-on experience amid greenhouse benches. Prices tend to exceed average greenhouse rates, but occasional liquidation sales feel like plant happy hour with steep discounts.
Online orders ship across the country. Local gardeners can choose curbside pickup for a swift, contactless transaction. Occasional workshops cover dish gardens and propagation basics. The real highlight is a one-on-one plant-nerd session among unique specimens tagged “Specimens & Rarities.” This focused operation shuns big-box tactics, earning a reputation for deep expertise and personal attention.
TROY’S TROPICS INC
For over 50 years, TROY’S TROPICS INC has served Sarasota gardeners from its five-acre nursery on Proctor Road. The selection includes coconut palms, fan palms, lemons, avocados, and banana trees. A separate wholesale operation nearby supplies larger landscaping projects.
Beyond tropical specimens, you’ll find petunias, Italian parsley, and boxwoods, plus an extensive collection of stone, mulch, and pottery. In-house landscape professionals handle 3-D design, sod installation, and privacy hedges that grow quickly. If you ever hit a snag, the “Troy” live chat helps troubleshoot planting issues.
Seasonal deals and holiday-themed plants provide shopping incentives, and the family-run business retains a friendly local feel. With options ranging from basic annuals to full-service landscape design, TROY’S TROPICS INC functions like a versatile Swiss Army knife for plant lovers and professionals alike.
Sarasota Farmers Market
Each Saturday morning, the Sarasota Farmers Market rolls out iconic white tents along Lemon Avenue. Operating since 1979, it features more than 80 local vendors in rain or shine. Live musicians set a lively tone as visitors browse fresh produce, homemade goods, and handcrafted items.
Plant enthusiasts find custom succulent wreaths and seaside-themed planters by Succulantes. Orchid sellers display Paphiopedilums and Cattleyas and offer detailed care tips. Pollinator-friendly growers like Kaleidoscope Nursery make it easy to support butterflies without chemicals.
The crowd consists mainly of home gardeners and gift seekers who appreciate friendly prices on fruits and vegetables. Specialty orchids and artisan arrangements lean upscale, while nonprofits enjoy free booth space. Every week, the market combines fresh, local products with a quirky, community-driven atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.
The Sarasota Succulent Society
Established in 1950, the Sarasota Succulent Society feels like a step back into Old Florida. Volunteers manage multiple lots around the historic Sparkman House under towering live oaks. Demonstration gardens host over 300 aloe species alongside cacti, rhipsalis, and other unusual succulents.
Plant sales occur every Monday and the third Saturday of the month. On major holidays such as Mother’s Day and President’s Day, members run extra tables showcasing seedlings and cuttings. Browsers receive free guidance from experienced volunteers.
The society offers workshops on container design, propagation techniques, and plant care. Educational signage throughout the grounds highlights species names and growing tips. Monthly raffles and occasional guided garden tours foster community spirit. Membership dues and modest donations keep operations running without commercial pressure.
Visitors range from seasoned collectors to local novices eager to add an air plant or barrel cactus. This volunteer-driven group focuses on sharing knowledge and celebrating the resilience of drought-tolerant plants across a friendly, low-key space.
Your Farm & Garden
Far more than a standard nursery, Your Farm & Garden in Sarasota has roots stretching back to the 1950s. Sprawling across three acres, it maintains a hands-in-the-dirt, family-owned atmosphere. Neat rows of perennials feature roses and peonies, while tables hold heat-loving annuals like zinnias. A mapped native plant section highlights local species. Displays showcase palms, bottlebrush, fruit trees, and unique tropical exotics for adventurous gardeners.
Gardening supplies fill an adjacent showroom. Certified-organic fertilizers and soil amendments line shelves alongside trowels and pruners. Wind chimes, decorative planters, and birdhouses add that finishing touch to backyard retreats. Prices range from budget-friendly basics to statement specimen trees that attract attention.
Longtime staff members share plant care tips and design ideas with every visitor. Winding paths and shaded benches offer spots to pause and envision projects. Seasonal events and hands-on workshops bring the community together. With its deep local roots, diverse selection, and expert team, Your Farm & Garden makes every home landscape feel accessible, inspired, and ready to flourish.
Big Earth Landscape Supply
Big Earth Landscape Supply has become a go-to resource for Tampa Bay landscaping projects. Five locations across retail corridors feature open-air garden centers stocked with Florida landscape classics. Crotons glow in traffic-light colors, palms soar overhead, and ferns elevate shaded areas. A native plant section sits alongside racks of succulents and rotating seasonal annuals.
Most plants and materials arrive from Florida nurseries and specialty growers. The soil lineup is a rabbit hole of options: houseplant mixes, cactus blends, and biochar-amended formulas. Bulk deliveries of mulch, stone, sod, and decorative boulders simplify large-scale work.
Staff members bring hands-on landscaping experience to customer service. They explain the difference between pine bark and hardwood mulch and recommend plant placement based on sun exposure. Delivery and wholesale services support contractors, while walk-in gardeners can load supplies for weekend projects.
The center also stocks hardscape elements, tools, and hurricane sandbags. Thoughtful partnerships with local producers ensure competitive pricing and reliable quality. Whether creating a residential oasis or a commercial landscape, Big Earth Landscape Supply provides materials, expertise, and convenience in one stop.
Garden center AT LOWES
At Garden center AT LOWES on Fruitville Road you’ll discover one of Sarasota’s largest plant selections. Every aisle of the greenhouse is stocked with annuals, perennials, houseplants and tropical species. There’s a dedicated herb and pepper section for home cooks who want fresh basil or spicy jalapeños. Succulents are front and center too, so you can swap out that sad aloe for a plump new one without spending a fortune.
This location feels like a big-box playground but with a local touch. Seasonal inventory rotates regularly—spring brings petunias and impatiens, summer shifts to tomato and pepper starts, fall showcases mums and ornamental grasses, then winter welcomes bright poinsettias. Themed display gardens and small demo plots offer design ideas while staff members guide you on soil mixes, deer-resistant hedges or proper pruning. If lugging heavy bags of mulch isn’t your thing, delivery is available. Friendly prices and regional sourcing make this garden center a go-to spot, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned landscaper.
