Yankton Nurseries

About Us

C.W. Gurney founded "Yankton Nurseries" in 1869, an enterprise that later grew into the Gurney Seed & Nursery Company of national fame under the management of his sons. Gurney Seed was eventually sold in 1942 to interests outside the family, though many Gurneys continued on with the company until eventually pressured out. C.W.'s great-grandson, Jay Gurney, went about setting up his own greenhouse in Yankton - but an ensuing lawsuit from Gurney Seed prevented him from using his own name in association with his burgeoning nursery. Determined, Jay and his wife Tracy re-started the original "Yankton Nurseries" in 1978 at its current location, just north of Sertoma Park in Yankton. Their son, Michael Gurney - now a sixth-generation Grower - continues to keep the experience, knowledge, and unique horticultural history of his family alive.

To this day, YN continues to be known for quality and passed-down horticultural knowledge. Their annual and veggie programs are still done the old-fashioned way - seeded, transplanted, and hand-watered on site, never "bought in" - assuring they've been hardened off and ready for planting! They have a wide selection of perennials, shrubs, evergreens, fruit trees (over 20 apple varieties!), and shade trees, including roses, specialty evergreens, and statement-making acers. Trees & shrubs still receive a 1 yr warranty!

Open year-round, don't forget their home-grown poinsettias during the holiday season!

Yankton Nurseries is a must-stop for gardeners or landscapers of any experience level!

Come say hi, and see if you can spot the orioles!