History & Heritage

The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence At Stark Bro’s, we’re proud to be veteran-owned and veteran-operated, bringing the values of service and dedication directly into the heart of gardening. With over 200 years of history, we know that the strongest roots grow from a commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Our leadership upholds these principles, guiding every plant we nurture and every customer we serve. Here, we don’t just grow fruit trees; we grow relationships and legacy.

A Fruitful Legacy: Stark Bro's Nurseries and Orchards Co. at the Saint Louis World's Fair The Saint Louis World's Fair held in 1904 was a monumental event that showcased innovation, culture, and progress. This bustling centrally located city was chosen to celebrate the centennial of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Among the many contributors to this grand exhibition was Stark Bro's Nurseries and Orchards Co., a renowned name in the world of fruit trees and orchards.

Boosting Orchard Efficiency: The Rise of Starkspur® Apple Trees One remarkable development in apple tree cultivation is the emergence of spur-bearing varieties, which have revolutionized apple orchards worldwide. These new cultivars were bred for their early fruit production, increased yields in limited space, and easier orchard management.

Walt Disney's Favorite Apple Tree WATCH NOW

Walt Disney's Favorite Apple Tree Walt Disney's time living at his boyhood home and farm in Marceline, Missouri was said to be some of the most impactful years of his life. He loved his time spent outside under the canopy of his dreaming tree and having his feet under his mother Flora's dinner table, enjoying her famous Wolf River apple pie.

Flora Disney's Deep Dish Apple Pie Recipe

Flora Disney's Deep Dish Wolf River Apple Pie Recipe On our recent visit to Walt Disney's childhood home, Kaye Malin's shared with us how the current Wolf Apple trees are doing, and the coveted apple pie recipe from Flora Disney.

Watch Now! Laura Ingalls Wilder + Stark Bro's

Laura Ingalls Wilder & Stark Bro's Connected History Stark Bro's & Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie book series, have a 100+ year-old connected history.

Here to Help You Grow-Award-Winning Customer Service Team At Stark Bro's, we are proud of our award-winning customer service department! This team is always working hard to make sure our #1 company value is met - customer satisfaction above all. From handling growing questions to helping fix orders, these team members are such a valuable part of Stark Bro's family!

Scion wood with bud - Watch how we graft bud!

Bud Grafting Fruit Trees Why can't you plant a fruit seed and grow an identical tree? It has to do with genetics. The male and female genetics combine to make something new, just like humans. By planting the seed, you won't grow an exact replica - and that's exactly why we bud and graft. We are, essentially, "cloning" the parent tree.

Urban Farmer and Professional Foodscaper Matt Lebon What exactly is foodscaping? Simply put, it's landscaping with food. It makes sense, doesn't it? Adding plants and trees in your landscape that beautify your property AND produce food.

Meet Terry! Stark Bro's Team member for over 44 years.

Meet Terry S. 44 years ago, Terry Stark joined the team in the shipping department. From there, through hard work and a passion for learning the trade, she's worked her way up to the EZ Start Production Manager and Grower.