Start Your Own Plant Business

There are few businesses that are so cheap to start than one growing and selling plants. However just because an idea is feasible does not mean it will be a sustainable or profitable business (after you’ve been paid). That is why you need to get your business model (planning) and strategy (execution) right.

The business
This business model is simple: grow plants and when they big enough sell them. The plant nursery business has various business models and it’s advised that you stick to one or at least specialise in one. Business models include retail which sells to the general public or wholesale which sells to other nurseries or garden centers.  Now where your plants are sold will also dictate your growing strategy (propagation, growing out, or retail sale etc.)

The best way to run this business is to do large volumes of small plants especially aimed at people who have miniature gardens.

Types of plants
The easiest plant business to get off the ground is probably the succulent business.
There are various types of succulents you can grow and sell:
Aeonium (tree houseleek)
Echeveria
Flapjack/paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)
Jade plant (Crassula ovate)
Lizard’s Tail (Crassula muscosa)
Rock roses (succulents)
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)
Sedum morganianum aka Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail
Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra)

There are other plants (groundcovers, shade plants, rock garden plants and even bonsai) to consider as well, so you can do your research as to what will be best for you.

Selling the plants
There are various ways to sell your plants, the most sustainable (but least profitable) is to sell to garden centers which retails plants. Plants can also be sold at craft markets, flea markets and local classifieds.

Image credit: The Succulent Source