Plant auctions are a type of sale in which plants are sold to the highest bidder. These events are often used to sell rare or unusual plants that are difficult to find in the general marketplace. Below I will discuss where to find one, how they work, and other frequently asked questions. I will also share my experience attending the plant auction near me.
Find a Plant Auction Near Me
For “Plant Auctions Near Me’ or “Rare Plant Auctions”, see the map below…
What is a Plant Auction?
A plant auction is a type of sale in which plants are sold to the highest bidder. While there are many different auction types, these are usually traditional English-style auctions.
These events are often used to sell rare or unusual plants that are difficult to find in the general marketplace.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Plant Auction?
Attending one of these events can be a great way to find rare and unusual plants that you may not be able to find at your local nursery or garden center. They can also be a great way to save money on plants, as you can often find bargains on plants that would be priced much higher in the retail market.
Tips for Winning at a Plant Auction Near Me?
There are a few things you should keep in mind when attending:
- Do your research ahead of time. The more you know about the plants you’re interested in, the better prepared you’ll be to bid on them. Plant auctions can be very competitive, and you don’t want to end up paying more for a plant than it is worth.
- Arrive early and register for the auction (if registration is required). This will give you time to look over the plants that will be up for auction and familiarize yourself with the bidding process and the rules.
- Be prepared to bid quickly. Plant auctions can move quickly, and if you hesitate you may lose out on the plant you want.
- Have a budget in mind. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a plant auction and spend more money than you intended to. By setting a budget ahead of time, you can avoid overspending.
Inspecting a Plant Before you Bid…
Before bidding on auctioned plants:
- Inspect the plants carefully. Make sure the plants are healthy and free of pests or diseases.
- Be aware of the current market value of the plant. Don’t get caught up in the bidding and end up paying more than the plant is worth. Research the plant online and see what it sells for.
- Only bid on plants that you are prepared to take home with you. Plant auctions can be fast-paced, and if you win the bid on a plant you may not be able to change your mind later.
Do I Need to Register to Attend a Plant Auction Near Me?
Most of these auctions do not require pre-registration, but you may want to contact the auctioneer ahead of time to find out if there are any special requirements.
What Kind of Plants are Auctioned?
A wide variety of plants can be auctioned, including both common and rare varieties. Some events specialize in a particular type of plants, such as cacti or succulents, while others may offer a more diverse selection.
What is the Average Cost of Plants at an Auction?
The average cost of plants at a plant auction will vary depending on the type of plant and the current market value. Rare or unusual plants may sell for much higher prices than common varieties.
In a news story on CNN, a New Zealand houseplant sold for over $19k after a bidding war at auction.
How to Find a Plant Auction Near Me
These events are typically advertised in local newspapers or online. You can also ask your local nursery or garden center if they know of any upcoming auctions in the area.
A Google search will usually net pretty good results searching for “Rare Plant Auctions Near Me” or “Plant Auctions” + “[Your Zip Code]”.
Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find plant auctions near me. You will find a list of events, including smaller less advertised auctions. Try Google Events here: Plant Auctions Near Me This Week
For questions about attending a live public auction, read this.
Finding Plant Auctions Online…
These auctions are not only held in person but there are also many reputable online plant auction websites. These can be a great option if you live in an area that doesn’t have any local auctions, or if you’re looking for a specific type of plant that is not likely to be available at a local auction.
Some of the more reputable online plant auction websites include:
- Steve’s Leaves
- Carniveros’s Rare Plant Auctions
- Ken’s Rare Plant Auctions
- Logee’s Rare Tropical Plant Auctions
These are just a few of the many online options available for plant auctions. When searching for an online auction website, be sure to read reviews to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable company.
Plant Auction Near Me – Conclusion
Plant auctions are a great way to find rare and unusual plants, as well as save money on common varieties. Keep in mind that plant prices can vary widely, so it is important to know the value of the plants you are interested in ahead of time. To find a plant auction near you, check your local newspapers or online listings, or my favorite way Google Events. That’s what I have learned from attending the plant auctions near me.