Nursery stock, bedding plants, cut flowers and seeds
Growers apply for a Nursery/Greenhouse Certificate (IDOA inspects roughly 400 nurseries a year). Resellers apply for a Nursery Dealer Certificate (about 3,000–3,500 dealers register annually). Ask IDOA which applies to your plants.
IDOA runs Japanese-beetle and gypsy-moth compliance programs and certifies greenhouses that ship internationally or to states requiring a statement of inspection. Request phytosanitary certificates before shipping out of state.
Repackaging seed needs an Illinois Seed Permit ($10 retail). Register with IDOR; plants are generally taxed at the general rate — verify edible-plant classification.
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery/greenhouse certificate | Growers inspected and certified annually. | IDOA Bureau of Environmental Programs |
| Nursery dealer certificate | Resellers register annually. | IDOA |
| Shipping | Phytosanitary/inspection statements for states that require them; quarantine compliance. | IDOA · USDA APHIS |
| Seed | Retail seed permit $10 if you label/repackage; permit year Jul 1–Jun 30. | IDOA Seed Program |
| Public lists | IDOA publishes licensed nursery dealers, nurserymen and greenhouses. | IDOA |
Do I need a certificate to sell houseplants at a market?
IDOA registers nursery-stock dealers annually; confirm with IDOA whether your greenhouse/houseplant products fall under the nursery program.
Can I ship plants to other states?
Yes, but many states require inspection certification; IDOA can issue phytosanitary certificates.
What about cut flowers?
I couldn’t confirm cut flowers are treated as nursery stock — ask IDOA before you sell.
Can I sell seed packets I made?
Yes with an Illinois Seed Permit if you label or repackage seed; own-grown seed sold and delivered only on the farm is exempt from the permit.