Manatee Farms
In the early 1890s, Walter Lane Preston, a visionary businessman from Rhode Island, came to Manatee County with the dream of cultivating high-quality agricultural products for the northeastern market. Founding the Manatee Lemon Company in 1892, he shipped lemons, celery, and vegetables under well-known labels like H&P, Moccasin, and Royal Palm. By the early 1900s, the company—renamed Manatee Fruit Company—had earned a strong reputation for premium citrus, shipping oranges and grapefruit across the country and beyond. Over time, the business expanded into crops like tomatoes, watermelons, and eventually ornamental flowers, setting the stage for a new era.
Manatee Farms
In 1936, the company’s focus shifted toward ornamental cut flowers, particularly gladiolus, marking a departure from fruit production. By the turn of the millennium, the transition was complete, with Manatee becoming a nationally recognized brand in the floral industry. While imported flowers from South America eventually transformed that market, the company evolved once again—turning its expertise toward growing an expansive selection of foliage, seasonal, and bedding plants. Through the decades, Manatee has remained a trusted name, expanding our presence and reputation well beyond our Florida roots.
Manatee Farms
Now known as Manatee Farms, we are a fourth-generation, family-owned business rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation. Each season, we cultivate new varieties and refine our growing practices to meet the changing needs of our customers. Our focus remains on quality, relationships, and forward-thinking growth—ensuring the Manatee name continues to thrive. With more than a century of history behind us, we look ahead with the same entrepreneurial spirit that started it all, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Manatee Farms
Our greenhouse operation is located just off Cortez Road in West Bradenton, along the scenic Florida Gulf Coast—an area known for its charming "Old Florida" feel. Spanning over 400 acres, our greenhouse operation is nestled in this beautiful, historic part of the state.
