Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Wholesale Greenhouse Plants & Contract Growing Services in Pennsylvania
Founded in 1933, Whalen's Greenhouses has evolved from a small family-run operation into one of the Northeast's leading wholesale plant growers. Our legacy began with Henry John Whalen Jr.'s landscape business at age 15, expanding into greenhouse production during World War II when we pioneered disease-free geranium propagation techniques still used today. As a third-generation family business, we've continuously invested in innovation, including our state-of-the-art 50,000 sq ft computer-controlled greenhouse facility established in 2002. Our commitment to quality remains unmatched, with custom soil mixes tailored to each crop's needs and over two million plants produced annually across 140,000 sq ft of greenhouse space.We serve independent garden centers, landscape contractors, florists, and organizations across five states, maintaining our reputation as a trusted partner in horticulture excellence. Our industry leadership was recognized in 2007 when Grower Talks Magazine named us among the top five Up and Coming Growers. With four generations of expertise, we combine traditional values with modern growing practices to deliver superior plant material that ensures customer success in gardens and landscapes.
Services
Wholesale Plants
Contract Growing
Easter Flowers
Christmas Plants
Fundraising Support
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- Four generations of horticultural expertise since 1933
- State-of-the-art 50,000 sq ft computer-controlled greenhouse facility
- Pioneers in disease-free geranium propagation techniques
- Custom soil mixes optimized for each plant variety
- Recognized as top five Up and Coming Growers by Grower Talks Magazine
Services
Wholesale Plants
We provide a comprehensive selection of high-quality wholesale plants for garden centers and landscapers. Our inventory includes seasonal flowers, perennials, and specialty varieties grown in controlled environments. With two million plants produced annually, we ensure consistent availability and superior garden performance through our proprietary soil-mix technology.
Contract Growing
Our scalable contract growing services help businesses meet specific plant production needs. We offer tailored solutions for volume requirements, unique varieties, and specialized growing conditions. With eight acres of production space and 140,000 sq ft of greenhouse facilities, we accommodate custom orders while maintaining strict quality control standards.
Easter Flowers
We offer an extensive selection of premium Easter flowers including lilies, hyacinths, and decorative arrangements. Our holiday inventory is cultivated using advanced growing techniques to ensure vibrant colors and extended bloom life. These seasonal plants are available in various sizes to meet both retail and bulk order requirements.
Christmas Plants
Our Christmas plant inventory features poinsettias, amaryllis, and holiday arrangements grown to commercial standards. We maintain strict quality controls to ensure vibrant colors and longevity. These products are available in multiple configurations to support both individual purchases and bulk orders for seasonal retailers.
Fundraising Support
We provide specialized plant inventory and logistical support for organizational fundraising initiatives. Our program includes curated plant selections, volume pricing, and delivery coordination. This service helps schools, churches, and nonprofits generate revenue while offering high-quality plant material to their communities.
People
Henry John Whalen Jr.
Founder
Founded the family horticulture legacy at age 15 with a landscape business, transitioning to greenhouse production during WWII. Pioneered disease-free geranium propagation techniques that revolutionized the industry.
James Whalen
Second Generation Leader
Expanded operations from 17 to 50,000 sq ft of greenhouse space. Developed partnerships with Penn State University to advance plant propagation standards. Led the company through significant modernization in the 1980s.
Bill Methlie
Co-Owner
Marketing graduate from St. Joseph's University who brought modern business practices to the fourth-generation operation. Focuses on maintaining quality standards while expanding market reach across five states.
John Methlie
Co-Owner
Horticulture expert with a degree from Delaware Valley College. Oversees production operations and technical innovations. Ensures the company maintains its leadership position in plant quality and growing technology.
Questions
What types of businesses do you serve?
We primarily serve landscapers, garden centers, florists, churches, schools, and fundraising organizations across PA, DE, MD, NJ, and NY.
Do you offer custom growing solutions?
Yes, our contract growing services provide tailored plant production for specific volume needs, unique varieties, and specialized growing requirements.
How long have you been in business?
We've been family-owned and operated since 1933, serving four generations of horticulture customers across the Northeast.
What makes your plants different?
We create custom soil mixes for each crop type and maintain strict quality controls across our 140,000 sq ft of greenhouse space to ensure superior plant performance.
Do you have seasonal inventory?
Yes, we offer specialized Easter, spring, fall, and Christmas plant selections in addition to our year-round wholesale offerings.
