Great growable gifts for every person on your list this year

For the established plant parent or aspiring green thumb in your life, a growable gift is equal parts thoughtful and practical. Not only are there possibilities for every budget and level of expertise, but items like grow kits and exotic plants can be enjoyed anywhere from a few weeks to several years, offering a fun and novel gift experience that extends well beyond the holiday season.  

It's worth keeping in mind that some living or growable gifts will require flexibility when it comes to timing. For example, bare-root roses and trees might be available for pre-order now, but may not ship until the new year. Similarly, mushroom growing kits from smaller vendors could take a few weeks to be ready for shipping. Freight costs can also be higher for perishable goods, and not every company can ship fragile items like potted plants nationwide. (Of course, if you're buying from a local nursery or plant shop, you can always inquire about pick-up.) 

Still, despite these minor caveats, it's more than worth the effort to find the right living present for the plant lovers on your list. From potted cacti that they can enjoy immediately to seeds worth saving for warmer weather, here are some ideas worth checking out. 

Mini citrus trees

This nursery and tree farm based in Maskinongé, Que., ships across North America and offers a range of exciting dwarf-sized trees from key lime to kumquat, which can be potted and transitioned from indoors to outdoors during the warmer months.

Key Lime Grafted on Dwarf Rootstock, from $80, Nutcracker Nursery & Tree Farm

Mushroom grow kits 

Oyster, shiitake and lion's mane are popular choices for those interested in cultivating their own mushrooms at home. Kits like this one are easy to use, and most will offer at least two harvests. 

Happy Caps - Grow Your Own Mushroom Kit - Shiitake, $24.95, Indoor Farmer

Bare-root roses

For the patient gardener, Palatine Roses in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., is currently taking orders for bare-root roses for shipping across North America in early 2023. Potted roses are also available, but you'll have to pick up your order from their garden centre in the spring.  

Julia Child Bare-Root Rose, $23.45, Palatine Roses

Amaryllis bulbs

Help them combat the winter blahs with a showy yet low-maintenance amaryllis plant. Just note that this bulb will take about eight to 10 weeks to bloom.

Bulbs are Easy Amaryllis Showmaster (1 Bulb), $19.97, Walmart

Themed seed sets

This set from Montreal-based Les Mauvaises Herbes includes eight seed packets for plants including calendula and bee balm, which the recipient can use to make skincare products and home remedies, among other things. 

Les Mauvaises Herbes Medicinal Garden Set, $48, Simons

Low-maintenance cacti

Many online plant-sellers have easy-care offerings for novices and time-strapped individuals. This cacti trio, for example, won't require much watering or maintenance, making it ideal for someone who's always on the go. 

Cactus Trio - Assorted (S) Jim, John & Jane, $39, Plantsome

Microgreens kits

Salad lovers and impatient gardeners alike will surely appreciate the speediness of an indoor microgreens kit. This one starts generating within one to two weeks. 

Microgreens Salad Mix Kit, $34.99, Urban Minimalist

Carnivorous plant sets

You can find Venus flytraps for purchase online and at many nurseries, but there's something fun about this extra dramatic plant kit, which comes with seeds, seed starter, a book and a mini terrarium.  

The Grow Your Own Flesh Eating Plant Kit, $14.95, Cider Mill Press 

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.