A Walk Through Our History
Sun Bulb Company is a third generation, family-run, wholesale grower and supplier of plant supplies. In 2000, our company rebranded most of our product line under the Better-Gro® brand. Today, gardeners and orchid collectors know and respect Better-Gro® for our quality plants, pots, potting supplies and plant foods.
As you will read below, our company history is rich with entrepreneurial endeavors that have influenced who we are today. We strive to continue this tradition of excellence in the plants we grow, the products we supply, the education we provide and the service we deliver.
As you will read below, our company history is rich with entrepreneurial endeavors that have influenced who we are today. We strive to continue this tradition of excellence in the plants we grow, the products we supply, the education we provide and the service we deliver.
1956: Sun Bulb Company, Inc. was founded as a flower bulb business by A.P. and Mildred Hollingsworth in the garage of their family home.
1957: A.P. developed what was in fact the first pre-packaged "instant pot plant."
1961: To promote his BBQ manufacturing facility, A.P. created a simple giveaway that involved customers getting a free orchid if they sent in the tab that came with the sauce.
The response was incredible, and A.P. realized that the orchids created more attention than the sauce. A.P. began traveling to and and importing products from Central America -launching the beginning of orchid mania in the United States.
The response was incredible, and A.P. realized that the orchids created more attention than the sauce. A.P. began traveling to and and importing products from Central America -launching the beginning of orchid mania in the United States.
1972: Perhaps it was destiny that the sauce plant burned down, giving A.P. the idea to sell his barbecue sauce patent and follow his dream by concentrating on selling orchids and flower bulbs.
1974: Sun Bulb Company, Inc., turned into a second generation company when A.P.'s eldest son, Rodney, joined the family business. The company flourished; turning into a regional supplier of tropical plants and supplying a variety of gardening products.
1977: A.P.'s youngest son,Tom, joined the family business.
1988: A.P. wrote a book titled, "Growing Orchids is Fun." The book was written in both English and Spanish. The book has been through several editions, most recently in January 2010. To date, the book has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide.
2000: Sun Bulb Company decided to rebrand their live goods (plants) and hard goods (plant food, media, deco containers, and other gardening products)- Better-Gro®.
2004: Hurricane Charley tore through Southwest Florida, resulting in Sun Bulb Company losing approximately 90 percent of its crop. The storm damaged and/or destroyed roughly 40+ greenhouses as well.
2006: Sun Bulb Company, Inc. became a third generation company when Rodney's son, Rod, joined the family owned business.
2007: The American Orchid Society endorsed Better-Gro® products. The endorsement is still in place to this day, and Better-Gro is the only orchid supply company in the nation that carries the seal of approval.
2011: Head Grower, Robert Palmer, was chosen as the American Orchid Society's "Best Orchid Grower I Know." This was quite an honor for Robert, as it is only bestowed on one individual every decade or so.
2015: www.EasyOrchidGrowing.com was launched. This website allows viewers to access easy orchid care tips and videos.
2016: Sun Bulb Company turned 60!
2017: Sun Bulb Company acquired Dynamite Plant Food.
2018: Sun Bulb Company releases the Kokodama Collection in the United States.