Ordering plants online has become more popular than ever—and for good reason. It’s convenient, gives you access to a much wider selection than most local stores, and allows you to take your time picking the right plants for your space. You can even do a bit of research as you shop, which helps you make better choices and avoid impulse buying plants that won’t thrive in your garden.

But just like with anything you buy online, not all plant sellers are the same. If you want your plants to arrive healthy, strong, and ready to grow, it’s important to choose the right plant supplier. Here are five key questions to ask—and what to look for—before placing your order.

1. Where Are the Plants Grown?

Many online stores don’t actually grow their own plants. Instead, they send your order to a third-party supplier who handles the packaging and delivery. This means you don’t really know how the plants were grown or what kind of conditions they were kept in.

That’s why it’s better to buy from a seller who grows plants in their own nursery, like Crocus. They grow most of their plants on a 30-acre nursery, using an in-house team of trained professionals. They even start many of their plants from scratch in their own propagation unit. This gives them better control over plant quality and helps reduce waste, plastic use, and environmental impact.

When you order from a grower like this, you know your plants are coming from a trusted source—not a warehouse.

2. Will the Plants Be Healthy?

The last thing you want is to receive plants that are already struggling or carrying pests and diseases. A good supplier should follow strong health and safety standards to keep their plants in top shape.

Crocus, for example, is the first e-commerce nursery in the UK to receive the Plant Healthy certification—a seal of approval backed by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). This means they passed a tough review process and are committed to maintaining high standards in plant care and biosecurity.

They check their plants daily for any signs of problems and make sure every plant can be traced from start to finish. When a nursery takes this much care, it’s a strong sign you’re getting healthy, well-maintained plants.

3. How Are Pests and Plant Problems Handled?

Some nurseries still use strong chemicals or pesticides to manage pests and plant diseases. While these might kill bugs, they can also harm helpful insects like bees and butterflies—and can even affect the quality of your soil.

Look for a nursery that takes a more natural approach. Crocus uses a method called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This means they use natural or cultural ways to deal with pests first, before turning to chemical treatments. For instance, they release parasitic wasps to keep aphids under control—reducing the need for traditional pesticides.

This kind of approach is better for your plants, your garden, and the environment.

4. How Will the Plants Be Packaged and Delivered?

Plants are delicate. If they’re packed the wrong way or kept in transit too long, they might arrive damaged or stressed. That’s why it’s important to ask how a supplier handles packaging and delivery.

At Crocus, every plant is hand-picked, watered, and double-checked before leaving the nursery. If the delivery is local, their own team handles it—often with no packaging at all. For deliveries further away, they use custom-made, recycled cardboard boxes and brown paper wrap to protect your plants while being eco-friendly.

They also work closely with trusted delivery partners to make sure your plants get to you within 48 hours of leaving the nursery, so they’re still fresh when they arrive at your door.

5. What Support Do You Get After Buying?

Some online stores forget about you as soon as your order is delivered. But a good seller will continue to offer help and guidance—especially if you’re a beginner or facing issues with your plants.

Crocus goes the extra mile by offering a 5-year guarantee on all their hardy plants, showing that they truly stand by their products. On top of that, they’ve created a free gardening app called Iris, which gives you personalized care tips, reminders, and access to help from their expert Plant Doctors. It’s like having your own plant helper right in your pocket.

This kind of support makes all the difference, especially if you want to improve your gardening skills over time.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Plant Seller That Cares

Buying plants online can be a smooth and enjoyable experience—as long as you choose a supplier that treats their plants with as much care as you will. Before you order, remember to check:

• Where the plants are grown
• How healthy they are kept
• What pest control methods are used
• How your plants will be delivered
• What help and support you’ll get afterward
  
  

Still not sure who to trust? Read customer reviews! Crocus, for example, is proud to have the highest Trustpilot score among online gardening stores, with over 50,000 reviews.

With the right supplier, you’ll not only get happy, healthy plants—you’ll also enjoy a better gardening experience from start to finish.