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It happens every spring—friends who had the foresight to plant seedlings as the weather turned start texting photos of their mighty harvests. Haunted by images of plump tomatoes and shiny peppers, we’re left staring sadly at our forlorn garden beds and empty patio pots. But not this year. Fall is the perfect time for planting saplings or enhancing your home décor with houseplants from San Diego plant shops.
With the right amount of sunlight, water, and tender loving care, your gardening endeavors will pay off when warmer days arrive. Whether you want to transform your apartment into a low-maintenance succulent Eden or wow friends with a fully homegrown salad at a dinner party, these local plant stores have you covered.
Here are 10 of our favorite San Diego plant shops:
Nestled on Santa Fe Drive, Barrels & Branches is a hidden gem filled with an array of plants, succulents, pottery, and garden accessories. This North County spot is a haven for gardeners seeking plants suited to San Diego’s micro-climate, including drought-resistant varieties like leucadendron, lomandra, grevillea, and other flora sourced from similar environments, such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean.
Address: 1452 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Founded by the legendary San Diego botanist Kate Sessions in 1910, Mission Hills Nursery holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest plant stop, still serving plant-lovers to this day. Sessions—known as the “Mother of Balboa Park”—and her successors curated a vast selection of flora varieties, an expansive outdoor section, and some friendly garden companions in the form of a resident cat, a couple of chickens, and an oversized garden gnome. Beyond flowers, the shop sells industrial landscaping tools, fertilizers, plant beds, fruit trees, and even landscaping design services for your most ambitious gardening projects.
Address: 1525 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Founded in 2019, Wild Island Collective sells a collection of indoor and outdoor plants as well as gift items like jewelry, candles, stickers, and more. Since 2022, the nursery has come under new ownership and has become a place where plant and wellness enthusiasts meet. For those who desire to trek deeper into the jungle, the shop hosts community events, yoga classes, and workshops.
Address: 3504 Adams Ave, Normal Heights Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 2–6 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Spread across 300 acres of wholesale plant and farming property on the outskirts of Imperial Beach, Terra Bella Nursery features endless flower beds brimming with greenery, bulk plant supplies, and an affordable green waste disposal service. The nursery’s knowledgeable staff can assist you with any planting project, including custom orders and landscaping services. Keep an eye out for their forthcoming Midway District location.
Address: 302 Hollister Street, Chula Vista | 3535 Camino Del Rio W., Midway District Hours: Chula Vista – Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Midway District – Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Founded in 1928, Walter Andersen’s Nursery is a great destination for plants suitable for every season and environment in San Diego. They offer a diverse range of options, from flowers and vegetables to ferns and orchids. The spacious indoor and outdoor nursery hosts free hour-long gardening classes every Saturday at both its Point Loma and Poway locations. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the “Hedge Fund” loyalty program for frequent buyers, a 90-day plant warranty, and a weekly podcast in which Walter Andersen’s expert gardeners answer listener questions and delve into all things plant-related.
Address: 3642 Enterprise Street, Point Loma | 12755 Danielson Court, Poway Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
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A family-owned and -operated garden center, Cordova Gardens is a paradise for plant enthusiasts looking to transform their backyard into a serene oasis. They vend a wide variety of plants, with a focus on tropical varieties like plumerias, bromeliads, and hibiscus. In addition to their flower and herb selection, Cordova sells elaborate stone fountains, bird baths, clay pots, and other outdoor décor to enhance your lush refuge.
Address: 902 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
San Diego’s oldest family-owned nursery has been in operation since 1919. Hunter’s Nursery hosts an array of indoor and outdoor options for any gardener, home or professional. When the nursery was first founded by Howard Hunter, it was tree-exclusive but has since expanded. Now operated by his son, the nursery specializes in fruit trees and vegetables but also sells a variety of flowers, bed plants, succulents, and house plants.
Address: 3110 Sweetwater Road, Lemon Grove Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist looking to expand your veggie garden or a houseplant novice looking for a low-light companion, Armstrong Garden Centers have you covered. With nine San Diego locations, Armstrong caters to gardeners of all skill levels, providing a diverse selection of plants, tools, and outdoor ornaments. And if your plant haul is too heavy to carry, fear not—Armstrongs offers delivery services, ensuring that towering ficus or 50-pound bag of fertilizer arrives conveniently at your doorstep. After an afternoon of planting saplings, your back will thank you for skipping the extra step of hauling ’em home.
Locations: Temecula, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Rancho Peñasquitos, El Cajon, Grantville, Bay Park Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Situated in the heart of North Park on University Avenue, this San Diego plant shop slings native plants, arrangements, and gardening supplies in a compact yet delightful storefront. North Park Nursery specializes in native plants suitable for San Diego’s often arid climate and dry soil conditions, including succulents, aloes, cacti, and other desert plants. Consider reserving their event space for a succulent arrangement workshop, and don’t forget to check their Instagram regularly for updates on new arrivals and discounts.
Address: 2335 University Avenue, North Park Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Polish your green thumb at this expansive garden center in San Marcos. The comprehensive San Diego plant shop sells a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants, fruit trees, tropical flowers, houseplants, herbs, aquatic plants, and even patio furniture for you to lounge on and smell your roses. Green Thumb Nursery spans four acres of verdant bliss and has everything you need for your dream garden—including eclectic décor like tikis and life-sized bear statues.
Address: 1019 W San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
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Address: 1909 Cable Street, Ocean Beach Hours: Monday–Friday, 12–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Located in City Heights, this is the go-to place for San Diego gardeners looking to grow their own produce. While they specialize in edible plants and fruit trees, City Farmers Nursery offers an array of supplies for raising chickens, goats, and fish, as well. During your visit, be sure to join their “Sunshine Club,” a free quarterly program that provides visitors with an assortment of flower seeds to try in their own gardens (while supplies last).
Address: 3110 Euclid Avenue, City Heights Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Perhaps the mossiest of San Diego’s nurseries, Craftmossphere combines plants and artwork to create unique home decor. From Kokedama moss balls to mounted epiphytes or above-ground plants, these moss-centric plants can zhuzh up any space. If you’re not into moss, don’t worry—Craftmossphere also has a variety of potted plants to breathe life into any space.
Address: 2360 India St, Little Italy Hours: Monday and Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Pigment is a one-stop shop for all your home decor and gift-giving needs. Originally an art gallery, the shop specializes in gifts, plants, furniture, clothing, and one-of-a-kind local pieces. A monkey print tote bag, a flower pot colored petal pink, and miniature succulents, Pigment is full of eclectic items bent on showing off your unique tastes.
Address: 3715 Caminito Ct, Carmel Valley | 3801 30th St, North park | 2885 Perry Rd, Point Loma Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Turn your thumb green at Cuffel Farms. Located in Clairemont, this nursery is all about air plants. From color-changing to fragranced air plants, the air plant selection here runs deep. Cuffel Farms is care-focused and its founder Andy Cuffel ensures that potential new owners know exactly what they are getting into. The green haven makes it easy to wade into the world of air plants as they categorize their plant options by care level, “easy to care for” and “ the fancy stuff,” where more experienced air plant parents can shop the owner’s personal collection.
Hours: By appointment only Address: 6459 Mt. Aguilar Dr, Clairemont
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer and digital strategist with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
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