Oosterhoff & Son Flowers

Richard Oosterhoff & Son is a third-generation farm, growing ornamental plants and specialty cut flowers. The Oosterhoff’s began growing gladiolus in Momence, Illinois in the 1930’s, when Harry Oosterhoff was one of about 80 farmers growing gladiolus in southeastern Kankakee County. At that time, Momence was considered the Gladiolus capital of the country. Momence still hosts an annual “Gladiolus Festival” in August each year, a tradition that began in 1938. 

In 1958, Harry’s son Richard took over the business, and grew gladiolus for the Chicago wholesale market, cutting, bunching, and delivering them by himself. A few years later, he started a route in Chicago selling gladiolus to local florists and wholesalers. Richard spent his winters cleaning and sorting bulbs to sell solo. In 1973, be began delivering gladiolus to the St. Louis wholesale market on LaSalle Street, making 3 trips a week. 

Richard’s son Glen left his job in Chicago as a certified public accountant in 1996 to return to the farm, and worked with Richard growing gladiolus and perennials. 

Today, the farm consists of about 30 acres of flowers, and gladiolus are still our specialty. In addition to gladiolus, we grow sunflowers, Asiatic and oriental lilies, fragrant Mexican tuberose, lisianthus, asters, coxcomb, celosia, zinnia, eucalyptus, and many other flowers. 20,000 square feet of greenhouses are utilized to grow annual and perennial plants, lilies, and succulents. 

Today, Richard Oosterhoff & Son sells flowers and plants to wholesale and retail nurseries and garden centers, wholesale and retail florists, and at 10 weekly farmers markets in Illinois.