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Our Story

Five Generations of
Growing Excellence.

Since the 1930s, five generations of the Wolke family have grown a thriving wholesale nursery — from Charles Wolke's first seeds in rural Illinois to 120 acres rooted in Sigel today.

1930s
Family Heritage
120+
Growing Acres
13
States Served
5
Generations
The Wolke Family
90+ Years
120+
Acres in Sigel, Illinois
Rooted in Sigel, Illinois

A Family Nursery Built on Trust, Relationships & Quality

The Wolke legacy began in the 1930s, when Charles Wolke planted the very first seeds of what would become a thriving nursery in the heart of rural Illinois. What started as a small, family-run operation quickly grew through grit, faith, and a commitment to quality — values that have anchored four generations of growers since.

Today, the fifth generation proudly carries the legacy forward — Zachary, Victoria, Amanda, and the extended Wolke family, eight strong from Steve and Monte's families, working side by side to grow, innovate, and serve. From liners to finished plants, every product reflects generations of knowledge and care.

  • Family-owned and operated since the 1930s
  • Built on trust, relationships, and quality
  • Deeply rooted in the Sigel, Illinois community
  • From liners to finished plants — generations of knowledge in every pot
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Our History

Nearly a Century of Growing Roots

From Charles Wolke's first seeds in the 1930s to five generations of growers working the land today — the Wolke story is one of persistence, passion for horticulture, and an unwavering commitment to the customers and community we serve.

1930s
The First Seeds — Charles Wolke

Charles Wolke plants the very first seeds of what would become a thriving nursery in the heart of rural Illinois — a small, family-run operation built on grit, faith, and a commitment to quality.

1950s – 1960s
Carrying the Vision — Paul Wolke Sr.

Charles' son, Paul Wolke Sr., carries the vision forward — expanding the nursery and strengthening its reputation throughout the region.

1970s – 1980s
Growth & Relationships — Paul Wolke Jr.

The next generation, Paul Wolke Jr., continues to build on the foundation — growing both the scale of production and the relationships that still define the business today.

1990s – 2010s
Wholesale Leadership — Steve & Monte Wolke

Sons of Paul Jr., Steve and Monte Wolke elevate Wolke Nursery into a respected, large-scale wholesale grower serving customers across multiple states. Their leadership brings innovation, expansion, and a continued commitment to excellence.

Today
The Fifth Generation

Zachary, Victoria, Amanda, and the extended Wolke family — eight strong from Steve and Monte's families — work together to grow, innovate, and serve, carrying the legacy forward across 120 acres in Sigel, Illinois.

Meet the Family

The People Behind Every Plant We Grow

Wolke Nursery is a true family business — every decision, every delivery, and every plant that leaves our fields has the Wolke name behind it. Today, the fourth and fifth generations work side by side to carry the legacy forward.

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Machine Operator & Mechanic — Third Generation
Paul Wolke Jr.

The third generation of the Wolke family and father of Steve and Monte, Paul dedicated much of his life to the nursery — serving for many years as its machine operator and mechanic and helping build the foundation of the business. At 90, he still stays involved with errands and daily operations.

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Owner — Fourth Generation
Steve Wolke

Son of Paul Wolke Jr. and grandson of Paul Wolke Sr., Steve oversees the entire Wolke operation alongside his brother Monte. He leads the business with the same commitment to innovation and excellence that has defined the family for nearly a century.

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Head of Sales
Denise Wolke

As Head of Sales and Steve Wolke's wife, Denise has been a driving force behind Wolke Nursery's growth. She brings passion, organization, and leadership to the team — building lasting customer partnerships across the industry and helping elevate the business while upholding the family values and quality the Wolke name is known for.

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Owner — Fourth Generation
Monte Wolke

Son of Paul Wolke Jr., Monte co-leads Wolke Nursery with his brother Steve, overseeing irrigation and the field crew. He brings decades of hands-on horticultural experience and a steady commitment to quality.

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Trucking — Fifth Generation
Zachary Wolke

Part of the fifth generation of Wolkes growing on this land, Zachary handles trucking and plant evaluation — making sure every order leaves the field ready and arrives in top condition. He carries forward the same dedication to quality that has defined the Wolke name since the 1930s.

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Sales — Fifth Generation
Victoria Miller

A fifth-generation Wolke, Victoria grew up on the nursery grounds and now works on the sales side of the business — helping customers find what they need and keeping relationships strong. She represents the next chapter of a nearly-century-old family business.

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Propagation — Fifth Generation
Amanda Wolke

A fifth-generation Wolke, Amanda heads up propagation and horticulture at Wolke Nursery. From cuttings to finished plants, she's hands-on with the next generation of stock that will carry the business forward.

Brand Programs

Carrying the Industry's Most Trusted Names

As an authorized grower and distributor for six leading plant brands, Wolke Nursery gives our customers access to the varieties their end consumers are already asking for — grown right here in Illinois.

Proven Winners
Shrubs · Perennials · Annuals

The most recognized brand in the horticulture industry. Proven Winners varieties are trialed, tested, and selected for superior performance — giving your customers confidence in every purchase.

Encore Azaleas
Azaleas · Re-Blooming

The world's best-selling re-blooming azalea. Encore varieties bloom in spring, summer, and fall — delivering season-long color that drives repeat customer visits and strong sell-through.

Better Boxwood
Boxwood · Disease Resistant

Next-generation boxwoods bred for resistance to boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer — the diseases and pests that have devastated traditional boxwood plantings across the country.

Star Roses & Plants
Roses · Branded Shrubs

Home to Knock Out® Roses and a portfolio of consumer-branded varieties that drive impulse sales at the retail level. Star Roses consistently ranks among the highest-velocity items in garden center sales data.

Plant Haven
Shrubs · Perennials

A curated collection of proven, high-performance plants selected for adaptability, landscape impact, and retail appeal. Plant Haven's clean packaging and signage makes retail displays easy.

Southern Living
Landscape Plants

Backed by the trusted Southern Living brand, this plant collection brings regionally proven varieties with powerful consumer recognition — ideal for garden centers serving homeowners who know the name.

Why Wolke

What Sets Us Apart from Other Wholesalers

Family-Owned Since the 1930s

Five generations. One family. No private equity, no corporate structure — when you call Wolke Nursery, you talk to the family that owns it. Decisions are made by people who have skin in the game and a legacy to protect.

Own-Fleet Delivery

We don't use third-party carriers. Our own semi-trucks, box trucks, and enclosed trailers deliver your order on Wellmaster Carts — direct to your facility or straight to the job site.

Premium Branded Programs

As an authorized grower for Proven Winners, Encore, Star Roses, and more, we offer the variety selection your customers are already asking for — with the brand backing they trust.

Net 30 Credit Terms

Established wholesale accounts enjoy Net 30 payment terms — helping you manage cash flow and plan orders without the pressure of immediate payment.

Quality You Can Count On

120 acres of growing capacity means consistent availability and plants that are well-rooted, properly sized, and ready to sell. We grow it here — we know what's in the field.

Midwest Grown, 13 States Served

Grown in central Illinois and delivered across the Midwest and beyond — we understand the climate, the season, and what plants will thrive in the markets we serve.

Let's Work Together

Ready to Start Your Wholesale Account?

Contact us to set up a wholesale account, ask about current availability, or schedule a visit to the nursery in Sigel, Illinois.