Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Exotic Plants & Nursery Services
Rancho Soledad Nurseries has been cultivating high-quality exotic plants for landscape applications since 1954. Founded by Jerry Hunter, a pioneering figure in California horticulture, our nursery spans 25 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, California, with additional facilities in Hawaii. Our expertise lies in sourcing and propagating rare plant species through global expeditions to Madagascar, South Africa, Yemen, and Mexico. We operate a cutting-edge tissue culture laboratory to ensure genetic preservation and consistency in our offerings. Our team combines multigenerational nursery experience with innovative propagation techniques to serve both retail and wholesale clients.We specialize in drought-tolerant succulents, tropical plants, palms, and cycads, catering to diverse landscaping needs. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our curated plant galleries and extensive delivery network across the western United States. We maintain rigorous growing standards developed over seven decades of horticultural innovation. Our operations reflect Jerry Hunter's legacy as a licensed landscape architect and plant introducer who shaped California's nursery industry. Today, we continue advancing sustainable landscaping solutions through our global plant sourcing and propagation expertise.
Services
Exotic plant sales
Global plant expeditions
Tissue culture propagation
Wholesale nursery services
Plant delivery
Landscape consulting
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of experience in exotic plant cultivation
- Our global expeditions source rare plant species from five continents
- We operate a 40,000 sq ft tissue culture laboratory for plant propagation
- We offer delivery services across six western US regions
- Our nursery spans 25 acres with specialized growing environments
Services
Exotic Plant Sales
We offer an extensive selection of exotic plants for landscape applications, including drought-tolerant succulents, tropical plants, and palms. Our inventory spans multiple genera sourced through global expeditions and tissue culture propagation. Clients access both retail and wholesale purchasing options with delivery available across western US markets.
Global Plant Expeditions
Our team conducts plant-hunting expeditions to Madagascar, South Africa, Yemen, and Mexico to discover rare species for cultivation. These missions support biodiversity preservation while expanding our inventory of unique landscaping plants. Expeditions follow scientific protocols to ensure proper documentation and sustainable collection practices.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Our 40,000 sq ft tissue culture laboratory enables mass propagation of rare plant species through sterile micropropagation techniques. This technology ensures genetic consistency while preserving endangered species. The facility supports year-round production of plants that thrive in diverse climate conditions.
Wholesale Nursery Services
We provide bulk plant purchases with specialized pricing for landscape professionals and nurseries. Our wholesale clients access exclusive inventory including limited-availability species. Trade customers receive dedicated support for large-scale landscaping projects and plant procurement needs.
Plant Delivery
Our delivery services cover six western US regions using company-owned trucks for reliable transport. We coordinate logistics for both retail and wholesale orders with careful handling of live plant materials. Delivery schedules accommodate client project timelines while maintaining plant health during transit.
People
Jerry Hunter
Founder
Jerry Hunter established Rancho Soledad Nursery in 1954 after founding Mt. Soledad Nursery. A licensed landscape architect (#33) and plant introducer, he pioneered tissue culture techniques in California. His legacy continues through the nursery's global plant sourcing and propagation innovations.
Questions
What types of plants does Rancho Soledad Nursery specialize in?
We specialize in exotic plants for landscape applications including drought-tolerant succulents, tropical plants, palms, cycads, and rare species sourced globally.
Do you offer delivery services outside California?
Yes, we deliver to Arizona, Nevada, and other western US regions using company trucks for local areas and arranged transport for distant locations.
How does the nursery source rare plant species?
Our team conducts plant expeditions to Madagascar, South Africa, Yemen, and Mexico to discover and document rare species for cultivation.
What wholesale options are available?
We offer bulk purchasing options for landscape professionals with specialized pricing and exclusive inventory access for trade clients.
How can I check current plant availability?
Visit our website for the latest retail availability list or contact us directly at (858) 756-3717 for wholesale pricing inquiries.
