Our Story

It all began when the City of San Diego leased 300 acres to Mr. and Mrs. Chong in 1990 and they founded Chong Flower Growers. They planted many varieties of eucalyptus and specialty florals and became experts in growing, drying and preserving these products.

Over time, the operation earned a strong reputation for craftsmanship, consistency, and quality. Today, the farm continues to grow a diverse selection of eucalyptus varieties, including Baby Blue, True Blue, Silver Dollar Blue Box, Silver Dollar Diamond, Gunni, and Parvifolia.

Gary Collins purchased the business in 2004, rebranded it Suncoast Botanicals, Inc. and expanded and further strengthened its position in the marketplace.

Suncoast Botanicals entered a new chapter in 2021 when it was purchased by Frank Konyn, a lifelong resident of the San Pasqual Valley and a seasoned entrepreneur with deep agricultural roots in the region. Konyn owns and operates several successful businesses in the San Pasqual Valley including Frank Konyn Dairy, Inc., San Pasqual Valley Soils, Inc., and K.D. Farm Trucking, Inc.. Suncoast Botanicals’ connection to the land runs deep. Many current employees have been with the farm since its earliest days, and the land itself was farmed by Konyn’s father in the 1960s. This continuity of people, place, and purpose sets Suncoast Botanicals apart.

Through careful observation and years of hands-on experience, the team at Suncoast Botanicals realized that the original eucalyptus root stock planted by Mr. and Mrs. Chong was significantly heartier and more vibrant than much of what is commercially available in today’s marketplace. As a result, we made a deliberate decision to return Suncoast Botanicals to its roots — cultivating seed stock directly from those original plants. This approach preserves the strength, resilience, and visual quality that defined the farm from the beginning, while ensuring consistency of quality and superior performance in both fresh and preserved eucalyptus products. This sets our products apart from others in the industry.

Under Konyn’s leadership, the company has reinvested considerably in its fields, infrastructure, and team – drawing on shared resources and expertise from Konyn’s other operations to restore and enhance the farm’s full potential. Guided by the belief that success is built by strong people, Suncoast Botanicals has nurtured a dedicated team with a clear mission: to become the premier supplier of preserved and fresh eucalyptus in the United States.

This goal is pursued through an unwavering commitment to superior product quality, reliable supply, and long-term partnerships. At Suncoast Botanicals, we do not just grow eucalyptus—we cultivate trust, consistency, and lasting value for our customers.