Costa Farms History
65 Years of Costa Farms
aerial shot/historical shot/Jose Costa/Greenhouse
A Time to Celebrate
Over the last 65 years, Costa Farms has grown from a small family business into one of the largest growing operations in the world.
From our early days growing tomatoes to expanding into houseplants, annuals, and beyond, each chapter has deepened our knowledge and expertise.
Driven by passion, innovation, and a commitment to quality, we continue to grow with purpose.
And we’re just getting started.
1961 - The Year It Started
Costa Farms was founded by Jose Costa Sr. on 30 acres, where he began growing tomatoes.
In the off-season, he grew calamondin, making the most of the land—an early example of the resourcefulness that still defines how we grow today.
What started as a small family operation laid the foundation for generations of knowledge, care, and dedication to growing.
1965 - The Big Pivot
In 1965, Jose Costa made the move from tomatoes to foliage plants—a decision that would change the direction of Costa Farms.
That shift opened the door to new ways of growing, new opportunities for the business, and a path forward that guides us today.
At that point, the future of Costa Farms truly began to take shape.
1973 - Vertical Integration
In 1973, Costa Farms established a farm in the Dominican Republic to grow much of its starter material.
The move allowed for greater control over the quality and consistency of plant material from the very beginning.
It also marked an important step toward a more integrated and efficient way of growing plants.
1980 - Expanding Customer Base
In 1980, Costa Farms began supplying houseplants to Kmart, its first national big-box customer.
With this partnership, Costa Farms expanded its reach, and initiated its goal of making interesting houseplants accessible to everyday customers.
1992 - Starting Over
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck, and Costa Farms faced the need to start over. The team rebuilt with determination, adapting and moving forward in the face of the devastation.
During this time, the third generation of the Costa family stepped up, leading the company into its next chapter.
1995 - Merchandising
In 1995, Costa Farms launched a merchandising service program to better support retail partners.
By working directly in stores, the team ensured plants were properly cared for and customer ready.
This was a new way of connecting with customers and bringing the Costa Farms experience closer to home.
1997 - Bedding Plants
In 1997, Costa Farms launched Costa Color in Miami, beginning its expansion into annual bedding plants.
This move added a new category, bringing seasonal color and outdoor plants into the mix.
It marked an important step in growing a broader portfolio for customers and retailers alike.
2001 - Growing Colorfully
In 2001, building on its success with annuals, Costa Farms established Costa Carolina in Asheville.
The new location allowed the team to grow in a different climate—helping extend the season, expand the plant list, and better serve customers.
2008 - The Supply Chain
In 2008, Costa Farms launched Costa Far East in China to support its growing supply chain.
By expanding its global footprint, the team was able to improve efficiency and better support production.
2011 - Interiorscapers and Independents
In 2011, Costa Farms welcomed Bernecker’s into the family, expanding its reach beyond big-box retail.
This opened the door to interiorscapers and independent garden centers, bringing plants to new spaces and customers.
2012 - Growing Perennials
In 2012, Costa Farms expanded into perennials with the acquisition of Layman Wholesale Nursery in South Carolina.
This added an entirely new category, bringing hundreds of new, long-lasting, perennial varieties into the mix.
2014 - Exotic Angel
In 2014, Costa Farms welcomed the Exotic Angel® brand to the family with the acquisition of Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses in Apopka, Florida.
This brought in a known and trusted collection of houseplants, along with the decades of growing knowledge behind them.
2016 - Going Online
In 2016, Costa Farms launched costafarms.com—opening the door to shipping plants directly to customers.
This created a new way to connect, taking plants from our greenhouses straight into customers' homes.
2017 - Joining Markel Ventures
In 2017, Costa Farms joined the Markel Ventures family.
This partnership helped strengthen the systems and scale of our operations, supporting how we grow and deliver plants—and helping bring more plants into more people’s lives.
2019 - Rare Plants For All
In 2019, Costa Farms launched the Trending Tropicals® collection, bringing rare and unique houseplants to more people at affordable prices.
Now, once hard-to-find varieties are easier for everyday plant lovers to enjoy at home.
2024 - Expanding North
In 2024, Costa Farms acquired Battlefield Farms in Rapidan, Virginia, expanding its growing footprint further into northern markets.
Along with 65 acres of production, the acquisition brings proven growing expertise and new capabilities—helping us continue to raise the bar in how we grow high-quality annuals and perennials.