Once a year, Poinsettia farm's doors open

BRADENTON (FOX 13) - Around Christmas, a popular plant is the Poinsettia.  At Orban's Nursery in Bradenton, the family-owned and operated business begins cultivating the plants around August.

"I'm the third generation. My dad started growing Poinsettias in the 40s and then he moved to Florida and this operation started in about 1974," said Marty Orban.

The nursery is nestled in a quiet corner of northwest Bradenton.  They are closed to the public, but open one day each year for a drive-thru and sale.

It is a chance for the public to see over 100,000 blooming poinsettias before they are shipped to garden centers for the holidays.

"It is a great feeling to have a nice crop and to ship it out and have people take them and enjoy them in their homes," said Orban.

The public is invited to visit the nursery, take photos and to buy their holiday plants.  This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation based out of Tampa.

"It has gotten to the point where it is really nice to be able to give to the different organizations. We try to stay fairly local," explained Orban.

The Annual Poinsettia Drive-Thru and Sales starts Saturday November 28 at 9 a.m. and runs until 3
p.m. Poinsettias will be up for sale from $2 to $50. 

Orban's Nursery is located at 9601 9th Avenue North in Bradenton.