A List of the Best Nurseries in the Phoenix Area
Phoenix, otherwise known as the valley of the sun, is one of the largest cities in the United States. It’s known for its year round sunshine and home to the Saguaro cactus. There is an abundance of things to do in Phoenix, Arizona and it’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite all the recreational activities available for tourists and locals alike, there are surprisingly many local nurseries for gardening enthusiasts. Although summer temps can soar, it’s still a great place for growing fruit trees and backyard gardening.
Urban gardening has been booming in the Phoenix area over the last few years. More and more nurseries have been popping up and an increasing amount of knowledge is becoming available to desert gardeners. Several groups on Facebook and other gardening communities continue to fuel the gardening passion for the locals.
I put together a list of some of the best nurseries in the Phoenix area, so if you’re new gardener to the area, a beginner, or just looking for a great nursery, then this list of the 10 best nurseries will help you out.
1.GREENLIFE BY SHAMUS O’LEARY
Greenlife by Shamus O’Leary is located in South Central Phoenix. Shamus is a wealth of information for growing various tropical fruit trees in Arizona. There is diverse selection of exotic tropical fruit trees for both the beginner and experienced desert gardener.
The trees are well cared for and amazing quality at some of the best prices. Greenlife has a large selection of various tree sizes. Greenlife has also been developing the property as an experimental growing space for educational purposes.
Not sure how to care for tropical fruit trees? All the needed amenities for ongoing care of these trees can be found at Greenlife, some of which are specially formulated by Shamus himself.
2. RSI GROWERS
In the northwest part of Phoenix you’ll find RSI Growers. This isn’t a drop in nursery, but rather a private residence. It’s important that you call ahead. RSI Growers specialize in growing fruit trees that are grafted to root stocks proven to thrive in the native clay soil found in the Phoenix area.
The soil in Phoenix can cause some problems for non-native plants, but RSI stands by utilizing locally grown fruit trees on the best rootstocks for the area. RSI Growers has a large selection of citrus, temperate fruit trees, and stone fruit trees at phenomenal prices.
3. TROPICAMANGO
Out in the east valley in Apache Junction is TropicaMango, which is one of the oldest nurseries in the area to offer tropical fruit trees. Alex the owner is a wealth of information and willing to help you learn how to care for these types of trees.
TropicaMango carries a nice supply of exotic tropical fruit trees as well as temperate fruit trees. One of my favorite things about this nursery is the starter size plants that are lower cost.
4. GREENFIELD CITRUS
Located in Mesa in the well-established citrus groves, you’ll find Greenfield Citrus. Citrus is one of the most prevalent fruit trees grown in the Phoenix area. Greenfield Citrus is one of the best places to go to meet your Citrus needs.
Locally grown citrus on root stocks built for our desert climate is what has made Greenfield Citrus a longtime fixture in the valley of the sun. The Maricopa County Extension office hosts an annual Citrus Clinic here for all your educational needs regarding the care of citrus trees and various fruits are available for sampling.
5. SUMMERWINDS NURSERY
Summerwinds Nursery has a few locations throughout the Phoenix area. I’ve always been greeted and provided with excellent customer service at Summerwinds. One of my go to places for vegetable starts, flowers, and other plants.
An excellent supply of organic products and bagged soils. Summerwinds has several free workshops throughout the year that provides information for the beginning gardener or tips for local gardening.
6. Russ’s True Value
Ok so this is actually a hardware store, but its small nursery packs a major punch. Anything from mangoes to peaches can be found here. Russ’s True Value also carries a large supply of high quality garden products.
Baker Creek seeds can be found here, as well as some great local soil options. It’s not uncommon for seed exchanges to occur here and annual bare root fruit tree sales.
7. DESERT HORIZONS NURSERY
Out in the Far East valley area in Queen Creek you’ll find Desert Horizons Nursery. This Nursery has a little bit of everything. This massive nursery features anything from native trees, cactus, to tropical fruit trees. The staff is super friendly and helpful.
They also carry various decretive artifacts to enhance the appearance of your garden landscape. Some of the services provided including installing things like fountains or planting your trees. Hosting an annual citrus tasting event boasting several dozen varieties of locally grown citrus.
8. RICHARD’S GARDEN CENTER
For those in the Northern Phoenix area, Richards Garden Center is a must see nursery. It’s huge! Another nursery that carries a little bit of everything and then some. You’ll find tropical fruit trees, fruiting vines, shrubs, native plants, and anything in between.
I’ve found some harder to find varieties native to Arizona here. The prices are great, as well as the customer services. Just another top-notch place for gardeners to shop.
9. A TROPICAL CONCEPT NURSERY
A Tropical Concept Nursery is a hidden gem in the downtown Phoenix area. It’s in an eclectic area that you’d never think a tropical oasis would be hidden among the city life. This nursery has several well established tropical fruit trees on the property.
It’s an amazing site to see. The owners are very friendly and give you a tour of all the various fruit trees their growing. If you’re lucky like I was, you may even get to sample some ripe fruit. It opens your eyes to all that’s possible growing in the desert. Oh and they have an amazing selection of Tropical Fruit trees at reasonable prices.
10. ELGIN NURSERY
My favorite option on the Westside of town is Elgin Nursery. They have great veggie starts and very competitive prices. This nursery always seems to be clean and well taken care of. I really like the various water features around the nursery.
The staff is polite and willing to help anyone out. Many locally grown options and some trees include a 1-year warranty. They also have a consistently wide variety of plants and landscaping features available to choose from. They carry various pots for container gardeners and other artistic touches for the garden.
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And there you have it! These are the 10 Best nurseries for garden shoppers in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Whether you’re new to Arizona, a begging gardener, or long time desert gardener, you’re guaranteed to be satisfied at anyone of these nurseries.
Please comment below on anything you’ve enjoyed from this post or if there was a nursery you enjoy that I missed.