Kartuz Greenhouses is a specialized nursery known for its extensive collection of rare and unusual plants. For over 60 years, it has been a unique resource for plant enthusiasts, offering distinctive varieties often difficult to find elsewhere.
Exploring Kartuz Greenhouses
Kartuz Greenhouses, a family-run nursery in Vista, California, has been a notable presence in horticulture for decades. Its location in Northern San Diego County’s mild Mediterranean climate provides an advantageous environment for cultivating diverse exotic flora. This specialized approach emphasizes unique and sometimes challenging-to-grow species, setting Kartuz apart from conventional garden centers.
The nursery seeks improved ornamental plant varieties that thrive in container gardening, appealing to both seasoned collectors and hobbyists. They offer well-rooted cuttings or seed-grown starter plants for customers to cultivate, rather than mature specimens. This focus on diverse flowering and foliage plants has established Kartuz as a reputable source for distinctive botanical selections.
Specialized Plant Offerings
Kartuz Greenhouses is known for its extensive collection of Gesneriads, a plant family that includes African Violets (Saintpaulia), Sinningias (Florist Gloxinia), and Columneas. The nursery also features a wide array of Begonias, including new hybrids from renowned breeders, showcasing diverse leaf forms, textures, and colors.
Beyond these core families, Kartuz offers rare tropical plants, Hoyas, and Passionflowers. Their catalog also includes unique flowering plants and vines, many suitable for container culture and indoor or greenhouse growing. The consistent emphasis is on hard-to-find varieties, allowing collectors to expand their unique plant collections.
Ordering and Delivery Information
Kartuz Greenhouses primarily operates as a mail-order nursery, shipping plants within the United States. Orders can be placed online via credit card or check, or by mail/fax using a printable order form. The nursery no longer offers a printed catalog; all current listings are available through their online catalog.
Shipping occurs via U.S. Priority Mail, typically within one to two weeks, extending up to four weeks during busy spring seasons. Plants are carefully packed in 2.5 to 3.75-inch pots to prevent transit damage and are guaranteed to arrive alive and healthy. A flat rate for postage and packing applies, plus an additional per-plant fee. Customers are encouraged to list alternate plant choices due to the popularity of certain varieties.
Caring for Specialized Plants
The specialized plants from Kartuz Greenhouses, particularly Gesneriads and tropicals, require specific environmental considerations. Most prefer bright, indirect light, as excessive direct sun can scorch foliage. However, some flowering varieties may benefit from a few hours of direct sunlight, especially during winter. Insufficient light often leads to poor growth or a lack of blooms.
Maintaining adequate humidity, often at least 50% relative humidity, is also important. This can be achieved by grouping plants, using pebble trays, or employing a humidifier. Most plants prefer a light, porous potting medium that ensures good drainage, preventing waterlogging detrimental to root health. Proper watering involves allowing the top layer of potting mix to dry slightly between waterings, preventing both overwatering and underwatering.
The Kartuz Legacy
Kartuz Greenhouses has significantly contributed to the horticultural landscape. Its dedication to cultivating and distributing rare and unusual plant species has helped preserve botanical diversity. The nursery serves as a valuable resource for plant collectors and enthusiasts, providing access to unique varieties that might otherwise be unavailable.
The legacy of Kartuz Greenhouses includes educating growers, offering cultural suggestions and detailed plant descriptions to help customers succeed with their unique acquisitions. This commitment to quality and specialization has solidified its enduring reputation within the plant community.