Industry Spotlight: Holt Nurseries

Last Updated on June 29, 2018 by Jacqueline Bourdon

In the ever-changing nursery industry, one nursery is dedicated to providing customers with the latest trends in horticulture. Holt Nurseries located in Apopka provides customers with a large variety of quality specialty plants to choose from.

“We try to be a one stop shop for plant needs,” says co-owner and operator Debora Holt. Debora, along with her husband Thomas, own and manage Holt Nurseries. The nursery specializes in unique plants such as succulents, aquatic plants, carnivorous plants, air plants and even plants for fairy gardens.

In 2006, the couple moved from Rhode Island to begin their dream of owning a nursery. They have since grown to employ over 30 staff members and encompass over 100,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

“I never dreamed that we would leave Rhode Island and end up in sunny Central Florida,” Holt said. “But we have had the opportunity to fulfill our dream which we truly could not be more thankful for.”

 

Debora Holt showcases a Bryophyllum daigremontianum, or Mother of Millions, in their greenhouse.

To better meet the needs of their customers, Holt’s has continued to diversify their portfolio to be a one-stop-shop for customers; particularly those with a taste for specialty plants and interesting design.

Small cacti about the size of a quarter at Holt Nurseries.
One of the succulent arrangements the nursery provides.

“We started growing succulents only a few years ago after our customers started requesting them and we noticed significant growth in the marketplace,” Holt said. “We keep our water plants for spring and grow other foliage and succulents year-round.”

Holt’s carries many varieties of topical water lilies.

Holt’s is deeply connected to the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) in Apopka, hiring a recent plant science graduate to work at the nursery.

“We love hiring MREC students since they are based right here in Apopka,” Holt said. “They know the plant industry, they know the local area and are well-equipped for the workplace.”

 

For more information on Holt Nurseries, visit their website or check them out on Facebook.

0


Posted: June 29, 2018


Category: AGRICULTURE, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension



Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories