Emerald Coast Growers Celebrating 35 of Growing in 2026

By Greenhouse Grower staff|March 19, 2026

Photo: Emerald Coast Growers

Emerald Coast Growers is celebrating a milestone in 2026: its 35th year in business. Since its founding in January 1991 by Dave and Wyona Babikow, the Pensacola, FL-based growing operation has become a trusted partner to growers and plant brokers throughout North America, offering a wide selection of starter plants. While the initial selection consisted of ornamental grass liners, the company has since expanded to include extensive collections of perennials and succulents. Today, Emerald Coast Growers is one of the largest suppliers of ornamental grass liners in North America (the company was #97 on Greenhouse Grower’s 2025 Top 100 Growers list with 550,000 square feet of environmentally controlled production).

Over the past three and a half decades, Emerald Coast has expanded from a few hoop houses in Pensacola to three locations. Aside from the main location in Pensacola, the company maintains growing facilities in Milton, FL, and Lancaster, PA. The company’s growth is rooted in its commitment to both its products and customers. It strives to provide reliable availability, with the utmost in care and support.

“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated employees, whose hard work and commitment have been vital to our journey,” says Paul Babikow, President of Emerald Coast Growers. “We also extend a sincere thank you to our loyal customers, partners, and suppliers for their trust and collaboration.”

Emerald Coast Growers remains a strong family business today, with Paul and Maureen Babikow, Cheri Markowitz, and Albert Mueller at the helm.