Best Nurseries in Chicago: Top Plant Shops & Garden Centers
Chicago's plant community is as resilient as the city itself. Despite harsh winters, Chicagoans are passionate plant parents, and the city's nurseries have adapted to help them succeed. From historic garden centers serving generations of families to trendy plant boutiques in Wicker Park, Chicago offers excellent options for every plant lover.
The Windy City's growing season may be shorter than coastal cities, but local nurseries make up for it with expertise in indoor plants that thrive during long winters. You'll find specialists in low-light houseplants perfect for vintage apartment buildings, as well as massive suburban garden centers with everything for summer outdoor gardens.
Chicago's diverse neighborhoods each have their own plant shop character—from the hipster boutiques of Logan Square to the family-run garden centers in the suburbs.
Top Nurseries in Chicago
We're still building our directory for Chicago. Check back soon or browse all nurseries.
Growing in Continental Climate
Continental climates feature hot summers and cold winters, with dramatic seasonal changes. This means most houseplants must stay indoors at least half the year. The good news: homes here are often well-insulated, and winter heating creates consistent indoor temperatures. Watch humidity levels when heating is running.
Best Plants for Chicago
- Classic houseplants (Pothos, Philodendron, Snake Plant)
- Low-light tolerant plants for darker winters
- Hardy tropicals that tolerate temperature fluctuation
- Spider plants and tradescantias
- Chinese evergreens and dracaenas
More Challenging Plants
- Tropical plants in drafty areas
- Plants near heating vents
- Humidity-lovers without a humidifier in winter
Seasonal Tips for Chicago
Spring is the best time to buy plants—they'll have the whole growing season to establish. Summer allows outdoor time for many houseplants. Fall means preparing for the transition indoors. Winter requires extra attention to humidity and avoiding cold drafts.
Plant Shopping in Chicago: Local Insights
- Gethsemane Garden Center in Andersonville has been a Chicago institution since 1987
- The Wicker Park/Bucktown area has the highest concentration of boutique plant shops
- Chicago Botanic Garden hosts multiple plant sales throughout the growing season
- Many Chicago apartments have vintage radiators that require humidity-tolerant plants
- The city has strict cold-hardiness requirements for outdoor landscaping plants
Tips for Buying Plants in Chicago
Finding the right nursery can make all the difference in your plant journey. Here's what to look for when shopping in Chicago.
Check Plant Health Before Buying
Inspect leaves for yellowing, spots, or pest damage. Healthy plants have firm stems and vibrant foliage. Don't be afraid to gently tip the pot and check root health—white roots are good, brown or mushy roots signal problems.
Ask About Local Growing Conditions
Local nurseries understand your area's unique climate challenges. They can recommend varieties that thrive here and help you avoid plants that struggle in local conditions. This expertise is worth more than any online guide.
Consider the Journey Home
Weather can stress plants during transport. In summer, never leave plants in a hot car. In winter, wrap them for the trip. Many nurseries offer protective wrapping or delivery for sensitive plants.
Look for Locally Grown Stock
Plants grown locally are already acclimated to your area's conditions. They'll transition to your home more easily than plants shipped from different climates.
Build a Relationship
The best nurseries become long-term resources. Staff can track what you've bought, remember your successes and challenges, and provide ongoing support as your collection grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and shopping at nurseries in Chicago.
Top Chicago nurseries include Gethsemane Garden Center in Andersonville, Sprout Home in Wicker Park, and Christy Webber Landscapes for larger projects. Suburban options like Lurvey Garden Center offer massive selections.
Hardy houseplants for Chicago apartments include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, and spider plants. These tolerate low winter light and dry radiator heat. Local nurseries can recommend varieties for your specific conditions.
Great houseplant shops include Sprout Home, Grounded Plant & Floral, Plant Shop Chicago, and The Plant Shop Chicago. Neighborhood garden centers throughout the city also stock excellent indoor plants.
Wait until after the last frost (typically mid-May) for tender plants. Chicago nurseries are fully stocked by late April. Fall planting (September-October) is excellent for perennials and trees.
Many Chicago plant shops offer winter workshops on houseplant care during the colder months. Some provide overwintering services for tender outdoor plants that need protection from Chicago winters.
For Midwest natives, try Possibility Place Nursery, The Growing Place, or the Chicago Botanic Garden plant sales. These specialize in plants adapted to Chicago's climate and support local pollinators.