FAQs

We ship based on product type. Your order could be split into multiple shipments. Any time a portion of your order ships you will receive an email notification with tracking information.

Potted Plants: Email is our primary method of communication. Expect an email with an estimated arrival window shortly after placing your order. Shortly before we start the shipping season, expect an email with more arrival information.

TRAYS OF 38 PLANTS: Garden Kits/Mix & Match/ Single Species): These typically begin shipping early May and go into June. Shipping time is heavily dependent on all the species in your order being well-rooted. If winter-spring greenhouse growing conditions are favorable and all species are well-rooted at once, then we ship by order date (first come, first serve). We are a Midwest greenhouse, and due to the challenges of getting all the species transit-ready at the same time, we typically can’t ship before early May.

3-Packs (Spring/Summer): Preorders ship late April through late May. Shipping time is heavily dependent on all the species in your order being well-rooted. If all species you ordered are well-rooted at once, then we ship by order date (first come, first serve).

After we have processed all the preorders, new orders for 3-packs will usually ship out within 1 week of order placement. Select remaining species ship until mid-July.

3-Packs (Fall): We ship late August through early September going by order date (first come, first serve).

We ship based on product type. Your order could be split into multiple shipments. Any time a portion of your order ships you will receive an email notification with tracking information.

Bare Root Plants: Email is our primary method of communication. Expect an email with an estimated arrival window shortly after placing your order. Shortly before we start the shipping season, expect an email with more arrival information

We ship first come, first serve. Each order is placed in a different shipping wave based on order date. We ship 1 wave/week. Shipping start time is determined by weather and is unpredictable.

Spring – We begin in April and ship through mid-late May going by order date (first come, first serve). Nature sets the schedule each year as to when our season will begin and end. We fill all orders to the best of our ability depending on weather conditions beyond our control (like Midwest snowstorms!). Start date has varied from April 1st to April 22nd.

Summer – We ship in late July/early August for a small group of dormant ephemerals.

Fall – We ship throughout October, sometimes early-November, going by order date (first come, first serve).

We ship based on product type. Your order could be split into multiple shipments. Any time a portion of your order ships you will receive an email notification with tracking information.

Seed/Tools/Books:  Most orders are sent within a day or two of receipt.  Your order will be split into multiple parts if you have ordered other product types such as plants.

Special ship date requests must be made at order time. We will do our best to accommodate. Please include dates in the Order Instructions text field at checkout.  The last days we will accept special requests are 3/15 for spring roots, 4/15 for spring potted plants, and 9/15 for fall roots.

Any time a portion of your order ships you will receive an email notification with tracking information.

We are not a retail outlet, but orders may be picked up if prior arrangements are made. An exception is for our potted trays of 38 plants, which are grown off-site.  Pick-up orders are required to pay 7.375% MN sales tax.

If your order had a combination of product types (i.e. seed & plants, or plants & a tool) please note that we may ship seed and tools, seeds, and books first. Plants ship seasonally.

*please see…
When will my order ship? – Potted Plants
When will my order ship? – Bare Root Plants
When will my order ship? – Seed, Tools, Books

Keep in mind, we have only authorized your credit card and will not charge it until your order(s) ship. We are reserving plants for you in good faith.

• Please cancel BARE ROOT PLANT orders by MARCH 15TH and POTTED PLANT orders by APRIL 15TH. A 25% cancellation fee will be charged on canceled orders after these dates.
• Shipped Plants and custom-designed Seed Mixes are non-returnable and non-refundable.
• After 30 days we cannot accept returned seed.
•Tool Shed items are returnable and credit will be given when the item is received back and determined to still be in new condition.
• Return shipping fees are your responsibility.

Please send returns to:
Prairie Moon Nursery
Attn: Returns
32115 Prairie Lane
Winona, MN 55987

We do not ship overseas, but we do send seed to Canada. View Canada seed shipping fees here. Keep in mind, we handle only native species from North America prior to European settlement. The dangers of planting species from other continents has been well documented by the loss of native plant communities around the globe. We believe our wild North American native plants should remain in North America.

You are likely seeing an authorization for your original order total and an actual charge for a portion of your order that has recently shipped. The original full authorization amount may show on your bank account for a few days or a few weeks, depending on your bank.  It will drop off.  See also, When is my credit card processed/authorized?

No, we are a retail nursery. We don’t have a wholesale price or availability list.  Our website offers the most up-to-date pricing and availability. If you have a very large project, we can take inquiries by email or phone. [email protected] | 507-452-1362

When you place an order, your card is authorized for the order total.  It is not charged until your order ships.  If your order has been split into multiple parts with different shipping times (for example, roots and potted plants), your card will be charged for each portion as it ships.

The authorization may show on your bank account for a few days or a few weeks- how long depends on your bank.  It will eventually drop off.

*PLEASE NOTE: For large root and potted plant orders, we may ask for 50% payment to reserve these plants for you.

Email your tax exemption form to [email protected].

When you place your order, also please use the ‘order instructions’ text field at checkout to mention your tax exemption.

• We ship orders by USPS (mail), UPS, and Speedee depending on destination and package weight.

• Expedited options are available upon request. Please call us during business hours…
Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm CST
507-452-1362

• We re-purpose boxes and newspaper as shipping materials whenever possible and much of our new boxes and envelopes are made from recycled paper. We hope you can also re-purpose or recycle the packaging.

When you place an order, your card is pre-authorized for the order total. Pre-authorizations drop off your account record within a few days, depending on your bank.  When your order ships, your card will be officially charged.

The most accurate and detailed plant ID is accomplished with a flowering or fruiting structure present and plant specimen in hand. Become familiar with key features that are used in plant identification and terminology to help you describe plant morphology. There are numerous online native plant resources. Some of our go-tos are:

Illinois wildflowers
Minnesota wildflowers (has an advanced plant search)

Once you are familiar with common plant terms, botanical manuals and regional field guides are a perfect way to start identifying. We have many of our favorite ID guides listed HERE. There are also many Facebook groups dedicated to helping you ID your plant(s).

Every plant shipment includes an Instructional/Plant Care pamphlet. It is best to plant your roots or pots as soon as you get them, and in their final garden space, and NOT in containers.  Some native plants may do fine in containers for a short time, but the deep root systems of most natives does call for outdoor, ground space.

• How to Install Bare Roots: Bare roots should be planted as soon as possible. Unlike greenhouse-grown plants, bare root plants can be planted during cold weather or any time the soil is not frozen.

•Planting & Care of Potted Plants: A little extra care and attention should be given during their first year/establishment phase. Over watering is possible though, so allow appropriate wet/dry cycles for the species you received.

Prairie Moon is committed to providing you the highest quality seed and plants. We want you to succeed in establishing natives! We guarantee species to be true to name and that plants and seeds arrive in good condition. If losses occur due to delay in delivery or unfavorable weather conditions in transit, contact us immediately.

We cannot guarantee successful growth after planting, but please let us know about any disappointments you experience; we may be able to help. In any case, liability is limited to the cost of seed or plants purchased. No other guarantee is expressed or implied. Prices are subject to change without notice.

• See our full Guarantee & Cancellation Policy HERE

From environmental conditions to pests and disease, multiple factors can impact your plant’s appearance and health. If overall plant vigor seems to be depleted, check to see if the planting location has proper sun exposure, soil type, and soil moisture. Is the plant being outcompeted by surrounding vegetation? If damage is isolated to specific plant parts there may be a disease or pest problem. Noting if the damage is at stem tips, the base of the stem, undersides of leaves, etc. will help identify the cause of the damage. Utilizing your local extension offices will likely be the best resource, or send a photo of your Prairie Moon native plant to [email protected]

Please see our plant guarantee HERE

• From plant: Maybe. We sell perennial native plants in root and pot form. Roots are typically 1-2 years old and pots are usually 4-6 months old. We can never guarantee a bloom the year of transplant but many species will bloom the 2nd year if their environment is right..

•From seed: Not likely. Most of the natives we sell are perennials. After receiving the proper seed pre-treatment, blooms can be expected from 2 to 5+ years after germination, largely depending on the individual species and surrounding environment. We do have a few annuals available; if they receive the proper seed pre-treatment, they should bloom the first year.

Nature often dictates when we can provide accurate counts of our greenhouse and garden-grown plants.  In a typical year you can expect to pre-order plants during these dates:

*A useful tool on our website is the “NOTIFY ME WHEN BACK IN STOCK” feature. Enter your email address and be one of the first to be notified when seed, root or potted plants are back in stock.  Order quickly because some plants will have very limited availability!

Late-fall (after a hard frost) is the optimal time for outdoor seedings. Seed can be planted throughout the winter if conditions are right. Early-spring is an acceptable time as well. You should not plant native seed in the summer.

Starting native plants by seed takes attention to detail and patience. Make sure you have followed pre-treatment guidelines to bring your seeds out of dormancy (listed on your seed packet, in our catalog, and on each species page on PrairieMoon.com). Keep a keen eye on temperatures and moisture levels. Remember, these are guidelines and some species may behave in an unpredictable manner; a few may even take multiple years before germinating.

After sowing native seed, it is normal to wait a few weeks before signs of germination. Also, each seed may have its own timeline for germination due to the genetic diversity within the seeds.

Prairie Moon Nursery, Seed Starting Basics

It’s a complicated question and you’ll get different answers depending on who you talk to.  Generally speaking, planting a North American native plant is better than planting an Asian or European plant even if that North American plant was only ever found two states away.  If you are adjacent to natural areas, particularly natural areas in good condition, sticking with natives of your area is more important than if you’re in a concrete jungle or deep in suburbia.  Plants native to your eco-region should perform the best and have the most benefits for local pollinators. How pure you decide to be with natives is up to you!

Most seeds can be stored in a sealed container in your home at room temperature until planting time. Seeds can remain viable for many years if stored in consistent and cool temps. If items have a pink note on the front of the seed packet, the item should be stored at 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit until planting or pre-germination treatment.

No. We do not pre-treat any germination code C (cold-moist stratification needed) seed before sale and we don’t know of any nurseries that do. Seeds need to be planted immediately once their artificial cold/moist period has ended. Since we don’t know when seeds will sell, we can’t have them ready.

The easiest approach for the individual grower is to follow the natural cycle of the plant. For most native wildflowers, that means sowing seeds outdoors in the late fall/winter/early-spring (sometimes), and let nature take its course by doing the cold/moist stratification for you. Every packet/bulk order of seed comes with a “Germination Codes & Instructions” sheet that gives helpful information for germinating seeds.

Your seed packet may say the seed is “scarified” which can be confused for “stratified”.  Scarification is the scratching of the seed coat.

No, we do not scarify seeds prior to sending them to you.  Most seeds do not need scarification. The ones that do are mostly legumes with hard seed coats. If seeds require scarification, it will be noted on the seed packet as Germination Code H. Follow the instructions on the enclosed germination sheet with your order; rub lightly between 2 pieces of medium-grit sandpaper.

Birds and other critters may consume a few but most seeds are quite small and not very noticeable to birds or other seed eaters. Ideally, your native seed is fall planted and soon covered with snow and freeze/thaw cycles works them into the ground, protecting them from birds. Please read our blog for more information.

If spring planted, seeds should be lightly raked in which protects them from predation.

We sell source identified ecotypes from our production fields and from a network of more than 70 seed producers located throughout the upper Midwest. Once collected, that foundation seed is grown out in production fields for seed harvest. Live plants are propagated from our seed sources by our local bare root producers, our greenhouse, and partner greenhouses.

While the experienced gardener may have success growing some species of native perennials in containers, we don’t recommend this for long term plantings since proper conditions (like moisture and nutrients) are harder to maintain, root health may suffer from being contained in a small area, and winter kill is much more likely in containers. In addition, container transplanting will void our Plant Guarantee.

Seeds that require refrigeration (we label them with a pink note) are species that we don’t dry down completely, so their seeds still contain some moisture.  Not drying them down completely helps maintain their viability, but it can also make them more prone to molding.  Storing them in the fridge helps prevent any mold.  Usually, their time out the fridge while in transit isn’t an issue, but you can check the seeds for any mold growth.  If you see mold, it can be rinsed off with a 5% bleach solution.

Fortunately jumping worms haven’t made it to our gardens yet. Luckily, we already follow best management practices for plant production that will prevent the spread of jumping worms and other soil-borne invasive species. These best management practices are outlined by the University of Minnesota Extension offices. At Prairie Moon, our dormant bare-root plants are grown in outdoor garden beds. When we dig these plants for sale, they are inspected and all the soil is washed off the bare roots. The clean roots are then packaged in a soil-less, peat-based medium for shipment.  Our greenhouse-grown potted plants are started from seed and grown in a soil-less growing mix that is sourced from a reputable distributor.

There could be different reasons for this:

If you have ordered from us in the past or if you receive our emails, and/or catalogs, this does not necessarily mean you have a prairiemoon.com account. If you tried logging in and encountered the error message seen below, then you will need to create an account.

If you have an account but your password isn’t working, click on the ‘Forgot your password?’ link and use the Password Lookup tool (you will receive an email with instructions for resetting your password).

Still having troubles logging in? Call us at 507-452-1362 for assistance

To redeem your certificate online, you must have a Prariemoon.com customer account. Create an account HERE.

Once you are logged in and ready to place an order, you may enter your certificate code on the ‘Shipping & Payment Selection’ page at checkout and apply the funds to your purchase.

You can check gift certificate balances on your prairiemoon.com MY ACCOUNT homepage

Call us at 507-452-1362 if you would like to redeem your certificate over the phone

All gift certificates expire 3 years after the issue date.

Most of our promos/sales are advertised through our email newsletters. You can sign up for it here. Many times our sales do not require a coupon code. The annual catalog you received may also have a coupon code.

Our website and internal ordering software are PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant. This compliance is audited regularly and only given to software that adheres to strict standards set by major card brands to protect credit, debit and cash card transactions and prevent the misuse of cardholders’ personal information. Your online security is very important to us and are proud to say you can order from us with confidence!

You should immediately receive an email confirmation after placing your order. This email could go to a junk or spam or ‘other’ folder, so please check there and move prairiemoon.com emails to your ‘primary’ email folder for the future.

If you ordered while logged in to you web account, you will see your order history under the ‘Orders’ area of ‘My Account’ (this won’t apply if you chose ‘guest checkout’.)

Yes, you can. Contact [email protected] to make a change to your marketing preferences.

Although some of our fields are managed organically, Prairie Moon is not a certified organic farm. If you are an organic farm and need a letter to verify that we do not treat our seeds or sell Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), please contact us here.

No. We only sell wild-type native plants. These wild native flowers and grasses have not been genetically modified. However there are cultivated natives (those selected for certain traits) on the market. We refer to these as “nativars” or “cultivars”. We feel they should be avoided, read more

Yes, we are neonicotinoid free! Here’s why… What Are Neonicotinoids?

Prairie Moon Nursery has Open House/Prairie tours every summer. We post tour registration openings each year in May, not before. Check HERE for availability, days and times. If your group of 12+ would like a private tour, please contact [email protected] to schedule a possible visit. Do be aware that Prairie Moon Nursery does not have a garden center; there is no retail shopping experience.

Perhaps! Each event invitation is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Becky Klukas-Brewer, Director of Marketing, at [email protected] for more information.

Prairie Moon is independently owned by 5 of our employees who work full time here at the nursery. There is no parent company or outside investors; we own and operate everything ourselves. We do not sell any genetically modified seeds, patented seeds, or even cultivars. Our mission is to help restore the native plant communities of North America, and we have no intention of cultivating, patenting, genetically modifying, or selling out to the agri-business giants.

If you’d like to get to know us a little better, check out our blog: https://mivadev.prairiemoon.com/blog/meet-prairie-moon