10 Best Outdoor Plants to Propagate and Sell for a Profit

Propagating and selling outdoor plants is an excellent way to turn a love of gardening into a profitable side business. Many popular plants can be easily multiplied from cuttings, division, or seeds, allowing you to build a steady supply for sale. With the increasing demand for landscaping plants, pollinator-friendly varieties, and ornamental foliage, there has never been a better time to start growing and selling plants from home.

This guide covers ten of the best outdoor plants to propagate for profit. These selections are chosen for their ease of propagation, high market demand, and ability to thrive in various growing conditions.

Lavender

Lavender is a highly desirable plant due to its soothing fragrance, drought tolerance, and appeal to pollinators. It is used in landscaping, aromatherapy, and home gardens, making it a great option for resale.

To propagate lavender, take softwood cuttings in early spring or summer and place them in well-draining soil. Rooting hormone can help speed up the process. Once the plants are established, they can be sold at farmers’ markets, garden centers, or online as part of an herb or pollinator-friendly plant collection.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a garden favorite known for their large, colorful blooms. Their popularity in landscaping and floral arrangements makes them a profitable plant to propagate.

Softwood and hardwood cuttings both work well for propagation. Softwood cuttings, taken in spring or early summer, root quickly in moist soil. Hardwood cuttings, taken in fall or winter, take longer but can be just as successful. Selling hydrangeas in decorative pots or offering different color varieties can attract more buyers.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a valuable herb for both culinary and ornamental purposes. It thrives in warm, dry conditions and is easy to propagate from cuttings.

Take a stem cutting from a mature plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or well-draining soil. Within a few weeks, roots will develop, and the plant will be ready for transplanting. Selling rosemary plants alongside other culinary herbs or in themed garden bundles can increase their appeal.

Butterfly bush

Butterfly bush is a fast-growing shrub that attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly gardeners.

Propagation is done through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. These cuttings root well in moist soil with proper humidity. Butterfly bushes sell well at native plant nurseries and to gardeners looking to create pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Hostas

Hostas are a top choice for shaded gardens and are widely used in landscaping due to their lush foliage and low maintenance requirements.

The best way to propagate hostas is by division. In early spring or fall, dig up a mature plant and carefully separate the roots into smaller clumps. Each division can be replanted and grown into a full-sized plant. Selling hostas in a mix of colors and leaf patterns can appeal to landscapers and home gardeners alike.

Daylilies

Daylilies are resilient, long-blooming perennials that are easy to propagate and in high demand for garden borders and flower beds.

Propagation is done through division. After flowering, carefully separate the clumps and replant them in nutrient-rich soil. Daylilies can be sold in bundles or as individual plants. Offering a variety of colors can attract more customers looking to enhance their gardens.

Boxwood

Boxwood is a popular choice for hedging and ornamental topiary, making it a high-value plant for resale.

Propagation is done through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. These cuttings root best in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Boxwood plants sell well in bulk to landscapers, garden centers, and homeowners looking for privacy screens or decorative shrubs.

Salvia

Salvia is a favorite among gardeners for its bright flowers and ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.

Softwood cuttings taken in early summer root quickly in moist soil. Once established, salvia plants can be sold to native plant nurseries, pollinator-friendly garden shops, or directly to local gardeners.

Russian sage

Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial known for its silvery foliage and purple flowers. It is a favorite for xeriscaping and low-maintenance garden designs.

Propagation is done through softwood cuttings taken in spring or early summer. These cuttings root easily in well-draining soil with minimal care. Russian sage sells well to water-conscious gardeners and landscapers looking for heat-tolerant plants.

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to garden landscapes, making them a valuable choice for homeowners and professional landscapers.

Propagation is best done by division. In early spring or fall, dig up mature clumps and separate them into smaller sections before replanting. Selling ornamental grasses in different sizes and varieties can attract buyers looking to create low-maintenance outdoor spaces.

Tips for selling propagated outdoor plants successfully

Selling propagated plants can be done through various channels. Local farmers’ markets, plant swaps, and garden centers are great places to start. Online platforms such as Etsy and Facebook Marketplace also offer opportunities to reach a broader audience.

Pricing should be competitive while ensuring profitability. Researching local prices can help determine the right price point. Rare or specialty plants can often be sold at a premium.

Presentation plays a key role in attracting buyers. Using eco-friendly pots, adding decorative labels, and providing care instructions can make plants more appealing. Grouping plants into themed collections, such as pollinator-friendly or shade-loving plants, can also boost sales.

Social media is a powerful marketing tool for selling plants. Posting photos, sharing growing tips, and engaging with gardening communities can help build a customer base and increase sales.

Conclusion

Propagating and selling outdoor plants is a rewarding way to generate income while contributing to greener spaces. With the right selection of plants, proper growing techniques, and smart marketing strategies, it is possible to turn plant propagation into a thriving business.

Starting with easy-to-grow plants and expanding based on demand allows for steady growth. Whether selling locally or online, there is always a market for well-cared-for plants. By following these guidelines, gardeners can enjoy both the financial and personal rewards of propagating plants at home.