Kniffing’s Discount Nurseries

Knifflings was a drive for us, but worth the effort (time/​cost wise). Privately owned (owner lives on premises) with a large variety of plants/​trees, etc. The owner was helpful with our questions and even helped load up our purchase into the truck. Prices were fair and lower than most commercial nurseries. We would like to go back when we redo the front yard.

Been wanting to visit this nursery for a long time. What a mistake! Only reason I gave it 2 stars was because it seemed to have a ton of variety.
The lady inside that «helped» me was rude/​harsh and condescending to both myself & whoever she was talking to on the phone. She argued with me telling me they didn’t carry what I’d called about (verified they in fact did carry it) then talked down to me about humidity & lack of etc for a specific tree I was looking for. My husband is in the industry so I can verify that she had no idea what she was talking about.
Will never go again & will definitely not recommend.

Affordable, organized and HUGE. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Also its a family owned business, a definite plus.

I went to buy my husband a avocado tree and lemon tree for his birthday and I know nothing about picking out trees or what to look for. The lady who helped me was very helpful and knowledgeable. Not only did they help me pick it out she gave me tips and loaded it into my car. My only regret was that I didn’t buy the Orange tree that was next to the avocado tree bit I’m going back. Their prices were very reasonable compared to other nursery’s and the staff was not even helpful like this place

Kniffing’s is great for bonsai enthusiast! There are a wide variety of plants available and the best part there is a lot of old stock! Plants that have been over looked by general customers for years that are hidden in the back and are beautifully matured. I found a bunch of matured junipers with scale foliage, thick trunks and great movement, can’t wait to start working with them.
On top of that, everyone was super helpful there, you just need to go up to them and ask any questions and they will do there best to help you. I was helped by older lady (who I believe is the owner) and she was so sweet and gave me a great deal since I was buying a handful of plants. I highly recommend going there.

If you are in the market for any good plants, jump in the car and head just a little ways outside of town on the 8, and there you will find a treasure. Advice, variety, price, you have to see this place to believe it. We will never go to a big box store again to buy plants. We bought four or five fruit trees and a large Jacaranda tree and couldn’t be more pleased.

Absolutely Zero assistance at any time… nothing is marked. Prices rarely marked on anything. Most of the plants I saw were dried out and dying. There were empty beer cans strewn all over the place. Place was total disarray. It does look like they are in the middle of renovations… which is the one positive thing I can say about whole experience. Disappointed and sad is all I got.

Absolutely amazing service and selection. Famous for roses! Every professional will tell you to come here.

A big thanks to Ted, the owner, for allowing the Rare Fruit Growers to have a picnic at the Nursery and then shop the bare root trees. I am so happy to have found 2 cherry trees that will produce fruit along the coast. We will be back for your educational presentation by Tom Spellman on March 22, 2014.

Staff is very helpful and experienced. Stock is very good. If it grows, they can order it.

My Dad and I went on a Thursday morning. We were helped rather quickly by Melanie who was nothing short of helpful, informative, and charismatic. We bought bamboo and an asian citrus tree for a great price.
Fun fact: The owners live onsite and whatever space isn’t occupied by their house is used for their nursery.
We came from National City and the drive over wasn’t too long nor did we hit any major traffic. Took us about 20 minutes.
I will definitely return next time I have more time and wander around and see the rest of their trees and plants. I was even so fortunate as to see a roadrunner on their property. Really cool.

I purchased over a thousand dollars worth of plants for our Church. I got the worst service, mainly from the young men that work there. Apparently, their job is to screw up and the older folks are there to sooth the upset customers. A completely forgettable experience. I won’t be back.

for you city folks (like me) its a little «boonies» for you. I was overwhelmed by the dogs, different offices (its hard to figure out where the main building is), cashier desk on the opposite side of the place, and the quietness. However, it was nice, when you first walk on the property they leave you alone. As soon as you need help, they get on the radio talkies and help you. Then several employees had the product in stock. At first, I inquired from several large nurseries in SD which was out of this nice yellow knock out rose. One place (dont want to bash others but its famous in the rural part of north park) only had 2 in stock. This place said «25» I was like really? In April, I missed the flower «train». So I drove over there and they were more then helpful. They even helped me put soil in the back of my SUV.
I felt like I wanted to buy the entire place but this appears to be the Costco of nurseries.
Ok off to Costco! hahaha

I have been coming to this nursery for years for several reasons. HUGE selection and if they do not have it they will get it for you. GREAT prices and if you have a big job they will work with you. AMAZING service, there is always someone available to help and they know their stuff!!!
There is an ice cream cooler on property, so stop by the office buy an ice cream and go for a walk. I promise you will find what you were looking for here. There are dogs on property, so please do not bring yours. The dogs are really friendly and love treats!

It’s pronounced Niff-​ings, which I’m told is actually the last name of the owners. But it looks like Knife-​ings, which would be an awesome name for a nursiere (yes, I just made that word up). One of those strange ironies of the Universe. Whereas western culture used to name people by what they do, now people do what their name tells them to do.
I digress. Kniffings is a great nursery; if not a little expensive. I usually shop for fruit trees. Anything you can find at Home Depot, can be found at Kniffings, for about $ 5 – 10 more. However their true strength lies in the rare and uncommon. Looking for a Cherimoya, or some hard to find citrus, avocado, stone fruit, fig, or apple? They’ve got it. Again, for $ 5 – 10 more than the standard prices at Home Depot; but some of this stuff can’t be found anywhere else.
They are also very knowledgeable and helpful. Tell them where you live, your flavor preferences, and ask them the best nectarine to plant in your yard. They are always willing to help. They have even advised me on plants they don’t sell, that I’ve mail ordered from Florida.
In short, buy your Anna Apple at Home Depot, but go to Kniffings to find that Pink Lady you’ve been looking for.

Dawn &Hugo are very helpful. Bring some biscuitts for the friendly dogs.

They have the most comprehensive selection of roses in San Diego. Selections include new moderns as well as heirloom old garden roses. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
They also have an extensive selection of landscaping plants, shrubs, trees, and fruit trees. The nursery is so large that staff may take you to your desired plant on a little electric cart.
I have found some perfect unusual trees such as a Crêpe Myrtle called «White Chocolate» that has burgundy leaves and white flowers. Prices are fair for the size and quality of the specimen. Obviously, for mature specimens you can spend a lot of money — but they’re no more costly than elsewhere.