Small Business Spotlight: Cultivar Source

If you've ever wanted a yard that's beautiful, low-maintenance, and beneficial to Texas wildlife, you're going to enjoy getting to know this week's featured business owner. Meet Jesse Garza, founder of Cultivar Source, a Hutto-based online nursery with a passion for helping Central Texans grow landscapes that thrive naturally.

Specializing in Texas native plants, trees, shrubs, and rare collector cactus, Cultivar Source is more than just a place to buy plants, it's a mission to educate the community about the importance of native species, pollinators, and sustainable landscaping. With free local delivery in Hutto and a long-term vision of opening a retail nursery filled with educational workshops and community events, Jesse is planting the seeds for something that will benefit Hutto for years to come.

We recently sat down with Jesse to learn more about the inspiration behind Cultivar Source, his journey as a business owner, his favorite local spots, and why he believes planting with purpose can make a lasting impact on both our community and the environment.

1. Tell us a little about your business. What do you offer, and what makes it unique?

My name is Jesse Garza, and I’m the owner of Cultivar Source, a local online plant nursery based in Hutto. We specialize in Texas native plants, trees, shrubs, rare collector cactus, and soon hemp wellness products. My focus is on offering plants that thrive in our Texas climate while supporting pollinators, wildlife, and low water landscapes. We also offer FREE local delivery within Hutto, making it easy for our neighbors to bring native plants home.

While Cultivar Source is already a licensed online nursery, my long term vision is to establish a permanent retail nursery in Hutto where the community can shop, attend educational workshops, and learn about the incredible benefits of Texas native plants.

2. How did your journey as a business owner begin? What inspired you to get started?

I grew up in Brownsville, Texas, where some of my earliest memories are of my grandma growing a variety of fruit trees in her yard. I remember picking and eating tangerines, loquats, figs, grapes, and guavas right off the tree. She also taught me how to plant and grow a bean, and that simple experience sparked a lifelong passion for plants.

Over time, that interest grew into a deeper appreciation for Texas native plants and rare collector cactus. I’ve been growing and grafting cactus for over 10 years, and the more I learned about the importance of native plants and their role in supporting pollinators and local ecosystems, the more I wanted to share that knowledge. I started Cultivar Source to make high quality native plants more accessible and to help people create landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial.

3. How long have you been in business, and why did you choose Hutto as your home base?

Cultivar Source officially launched this year, and Hutto was a natural choice because it’s home. Hutto sits in the heart of the Texas Blackland Prairie ecoregion, and I focus on offering plants that are well adapted to thrive in these local conditions. I wanted to build a business that serves my neighbors while making a positive impact on our local environment. Hutto has an incredible sense of community, and the support for small businesses makes it an exciting place to grow.

4. What’s been one of your most memorable moments as a business owner?

Honestly, it’s been connecting with people at local farmers markets and seeing their curiosity about native plants. I love when someone stops by just to look around, and by the end of the conversation they’re excited to plant something that supports butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other local wildlife. Those conversations remind me why I started Cultivar Source in the first place, to help people discover the beauty and value of Texas native plants.

5. What do you think makes the Hutto community special?

Hutto still has that welcoming small town charm where people genuinely support one another. The community embraces local businesses, shows up for events, and wants to see each other succeed. As a small business owner, that encouragement means everything.

6. What advice would you give to someone just starting a business here?

Be authentic and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Some of the best opportunities come from simply having conversations and building relationships. Stay patient, keep learning, and remember that every small step moves you closer to your goals.

7. When you’re not working, where can we find you around town? (Favorite coffee, food, or hangout spots?)

You’ll usually find me outdoors exploring Texas State Parks and making observations on iNaturalist. I also enjoy taking my son to train at 4 Brothers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and watching him play baseball at HYBSA. A few of my local favorites include the Lamba Latte at Lamppost Coffee, breakfast at Mario’s, the cheeseburger at Snuffy’s, and coconut cream pie from Texan Cafe.

8. Anything exciting coming up you’d like the community to know about?

I begin training as a Texas Master Naturalist this September to deepen my knowledge and better serve the community. I’m also a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas and I’m taking part in their native landscaping design courses.

As a Community Advocate for Native Flora Seeds, I’m passionate about educating others on the benefits of planting native species and creating habitats that support Texas pollinators and wildlife. As Cultivar Source grows, I’m excited to continue expanding our selection of native plants and helping more people discover the value of planting with purpose.

Find Cultivar Source on Facebook.