I am very surprised to see the previous two reviews as positive, because my experience has been the total opposite. But from my visit, John is VERY impatient and rude. I am embarrassed that such nursery exists. Craigslist price was completely different from what he said. He called me a Scum Bag and other swear labels. He yells at me that I am wasting his time when I tried to negotiate with him because criagslist price said it was different. Moreover, he scoffed at my service dog, disbelieving my disability, and MIMICKED me when I said that this is my service dog (and I had medical documentation to show him). I am reporting him to the ADA for disability discrimination and bigotry. He then yells at me that he is going to write my license number down (I only said that he was going to receive a bad review from me). Very unprofessional, IMMATURE (especially for a 40 y/o?!?) and histrionic. Should get license revoked. He even was smoking a cigarette while was showing me the succulents. I'm glad that other individuals had pleasant visits, but I also witnessed other reviews from other sites that wrote something similar of his rudeness and impatience. If you do choose to visit, you are forced to accept the price contradictions and mislabeling OR ELSE he WILL yell at you to "GET OUT OF HERE!" NOT worth the drive. read more

I texted Kingman to verify that they had the variety of Avocado that I wanted and they replied that they did and the price of the tree. I drove to Vista the next day only to find out that no-one was there. I texted a complaint to the phone number listed and the result has been frightening. I have received numerous threatening texts and vial personal attacks. Also today I received a voicemail on my smartphone telling me that they hav my phone number and address and threatening to come to my home and personally harm me. This person representing Kingman is unstable and frightening. read more

Very happy with the service I received here. John is a good and friendly guy. I picked up a Reed avocado tree and a Valencia orange tree, and the prices were very competitive. John also showed me around the nursery a little bit, and even offered me to sample some of the nectarines that he picked as we were walking by. Highly recommended read more

Kingmans AvoCitrus - rows of plants in a greenhouse - Landscaping Near Me - Vista, California

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Wow- I felt compelled to write a review after so many negative comments. I purchased a Pinkerton Avocado, dwarf holiday avocado, Meyer lemon and bears lime tree from John. Yes- he's quirky but if you're unable to work with someone truly passionate about his work- that's kinda on you. His trees are great, prices are more rehab fair (he underquoted me on the pinkerton and still gave me the price he quoted even though the trees was 50% bigger than he recalled) I live in Long Beach and drove down to him with my truck. People- be fair. If he didn't respond in the fashion you desired to your voicemail-less phone call, that's it a reason to bash him. The guy doesn't need to know how to spell in order to raise great trees. I'll be buying a Sharwil avocado from him soon and possibly a Lamb Hass. Thanks for your help John! read more

Awesome prices! Awesome selection! Awesome service!!!! Wonderful knowledge of all plants. The owner was extremely passionate about his work. We will always go here first for any outdoor need we have. All his plants are high quality. Also appreciate how quickly he loaded up all 11 plants while we were still gazing about the property. Even though it's a little out of our way, it is a must go back!!! read more

Kingmans AvoCitrus - No comment needed!!! A beautiful specimen!!! - Landscaping Near Me - Vista, California

I've been to Kingmans numerous times- and have always received the best deals! John is a hoot- and has always been very nice and generous to us! I was just there- this past Sunday. I took my best friend and her daughter with me! Again- John gave the best deals. My best friend couldn't believe all the beautiful succulents/plants he has! We'll be back soon! From: "The 3 beautiful ladies".....per John ;) read more

John just delivered two more pepper trees, again within 24 hours. We mentioned that the gophers had eaten the roots, so he suggested these gopher things that go around the root ball and that he had available. He wants his trees to thrive as much as we do. In both of our experiences, John has been polite, patient, and personable ... a perfect business owner and I'd highly recommend him for any kind of trees or succulents that you need. read more

I had a good experience. John has a strange sense of humor; A PhD in chemical engineering probably made it worse. If you can look pass that, then he has some nice trees for you. He is like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld :) I called last Sunday morning to find out if he has Reed Avocado trees. Showed up a few hours later, and found a good inventory of healthy Reed Avocado trees. Very easy transaction. Price is reasonable. No need to haggle. John introduced me to other fruit trees that i never entertained before: Afghan Mulberry, white suebelle sapote, and Cherry...I am pleasantly surprised that i can grow cherry in zone 10b. read more

I called Kingmans AvoCitrus today during business hours. They did not answer their phone; I did not leave a message. This afternoon I return home to a phone message from Kingmans AvoCitrus that disparaged me for having called them without leaving a message. I did business with a different, local nursery. read more

This business refused to deliver or sell to me because of my father's name being Mohammad. I was attempting to purchase a few thousand dollars worth of trees and I guess once the owner John googled me he realized my family is from Iran and then he stopped responding to me or answering my phone calls. As someone born in the US I am appalled by their business practices and cannot believe the level of racism by this business owner. I have already reached out to my contacts with the local news. Please please please don't purchase anything from these people! This is not was America is about. Truly a sad thing to have to deal with in 2019. read more

Aug 2013 ,I also found John's ad on Craig's list, I was looking at trees and landscape items. I called and had lots of questions and John had lots of answers, building a rapport and adding to his credibility, He was knowledgeable, and no nonsense, I like that. I wanted 5 trees but had to level with myself and the budget I actually purchased 3 (with the bells and whistles) and John worked with me on every angle to get the most of what I need including the 4th tree. The delivery was scheduled 2 day out from the day I called, the service included delivery, proper installation, starter soil, and gopher cages, and care instructions. I was so proud to show off my new trees; 2 Avocado (Type A and Type B), A lemon and a lime tree. ** Not only did John do a professional job, He went above and beyond when working with me on the fourth tree to fit my budget and he took my calls and emails after installation with questions, concerns, and reminders for care of the trees I invested in. I think if you treat people with professionalism, patience, and respect you will get it in return and that is what I got from John at KINGMANS AVOCADO & CITRUS. read more

I have two words to say about John Kingman ... USE HIM! Our co-worker had a death in the family and our office decided to join forces to buy her a Meyer Lemon tree for her new home ... and ... wouldn't it be great if we could have it planted so there would be no "work" attached to our gift? We called on a Tuesday and found that the price was affordable and he would be there on Friday morning to plant a flowering and fruited tree. Not only did he deliver exactly what we wanted but was kind, patient and a true professional when asked for a large avocado tree to be planted as well as gopher cages for both trees. John communicated every step of the way. He delivered earlier than promised and our co-worker was so delighted that she sent a photo to staff along with a heartfelt thank you! John made us all superstars and I would recommend John Kingman and his crew to anyone thinking of buying trees! read more

Met John there and picked up 2 cherry trees, beautiful fruiting trees. Great price. Do your research, know what you want, he's not the kind of guy who is here to teach you. Like a previous reviewer remarked, less is better. We couldn't be happier. Thank you John! And no, all good reviews are not "fake" as one ignorant reviewer remarked. read more

Worst experienced in my entire life. The owner is rude, not nice and is not a happy person. From little I saw around the property the quality looked nice, prices were very high. Owner seemed to be bragging about the other customer on his property purchasing 11 plants and felt his time with me was not worth his time. I was there to make purchase of min 1 up to more than 10, but his rude attitude, arrogant comments and just unhappy attitude have to warn anyone ever wanting to go purchase from a business owner with rude attitude and comments. read more

Dealing with John via email was a good experience. I can see him getting frustrated with a customer if they ask too many questions and do not do their research. He is quirky but less is more with him. Get in and get out. Know what you want, know it will not be absolutely perfect and order your trees. This is not home depot or costco where the trees are perfectly uniform and manicured. I bought 5 avos and two citrus and had them delivered 150 miles. See photos. Fruit on avos already. Very happy with them all and his variety selection is great. My landscaper was impressed with their trees and asked for their business card. read more

Kingmans AvoCitrus - Landscaping Near Me - Vista, California

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Gorgeous fruit trees, very responsive service. I called Wed. afternoon and he was able to deliver Thurs. to meet with our tight deadline. He was also the only vendor that had all the varieties of trees we needed. Previously we bought a flat of agaves, and those are all still alive and thriving. Would certainly use him again! read more

We were looking for a Jacarunda tree to replace an unidentified non-edible citrus tree in our backyard. We found Kingmans on craigslist and liked the pricing given over the phone. Once there, we immediately found what we wanted, plus a plethora of succulents at great prices. He has huge succulents as well, but just $1 and $2 for small ones perfect for patio planters. Much better selection and pricing than Home Depot by far. John was very friendly and helpful and knowledgeable, and we are actually going back tomorrow for two more Jacarunda trees, probably another flat of succulents and maybe some flax. Highly recommend for a no frills, great selection of indigenous plants. read more

The worst and that is not an exaggeration. Here is their response after I inquired about avocado trees, mind you I know nothing about growing avocado trees. I replaced a couple "u" letters with # so this hopefully will pass through Yelp's filters. "Right - and keep doing research and keep trying to play us - If you are real smart , and manipulative and deceitful -you may be able to get some free info out of us -- Other than that -you have supplied no phone number or email and we consider you just another millennial safe space homo Nice try b#tt -f#ck? read more

This nursery has plenty of fruit tree's to select from. It is a custom made set up with ease of access and most...if not all...the tree's are top of the line, healthy assortments. I have purchased Mulberry, Peach tree's from John and will be purchasing a Lemon tree in the near future, as well. I would suggest that prior to arriving to Kingman's AvoCitrus that you bring a list of what tree's you want/need prior to making an appointment and learn about the care that many tree's entail prior to making any purchase. Care for 1 tree is NOT the same care for another. Avocado tree's being the most challenging..my opinion.. to any novice and/or veteran planter. Doing your own due diligence takes patience, research and you may not be satisfied with end result IF you fail to do your own research. However, you will enjoy your tree buying experiences by doing so! I would not make a phone appointment with Kingmans AvoCitrus without first making a wish list of what tree's you really NEED within your budget and than change your mind/list...at the last minute...of what tree's you think you really WANT that changes everything. Know before you go! By doing this you run a risk of substantial price changes and cause undue confusion/impatience by not sticking with your initial request/list. Happy trails! read more

I looked all over for a Satsuma tangerine tree. This was the only place around that had them and they were in 15 gal containers and were about $180. Pricy I thought, but i really wanted one. The guy there was nice, and I bought the tree. (On my way back I stopped by Costco in San Marcos to get some things and right in front of me by the TV's were 5 gal Satsuma trees for about $35. Even I thought that was funny). Anyway, when I transplanted the tree most of the dirt fell away revealing a clean, well formed 5 gal pot outline, so this must have been very recently transplanted into the larger, more expensive container. I texted the owner acting like I believed this was just a mistake in which the tree got mixed up with real 15 gal trees. I wanted so see how he reacted and maybe offer a partial refund. He sent a text back thanking me for the info, but no refund. If you buy a tree here, be sure to ask how long ago it was growing in the larger pot. read more

These folks are so darn nice and customer service oriented! I had called to ask what horrible thing was happening to my two lemon trees. They were covered with white mealy bugs and black dust. The return call I got was so informative and I was told exactly what to do to alleviate the problem. Just free information with no sales pitch. Old fashioned idea but so welcomed and helpful. read more

I ordered a fruiting lemon tree from these guys. The tree delivered was just what I wanted. I ordered from abroad, and despite the time difference I got prompt answers to all the questions, and there were many of those. Now I receive qualified feedback on the treatment of my perfect tree. read more

I should have done more research on this place but I didn't and have been 'punked' like others. It's over priced and the owner doesn't stand behind his product. 1 minute great customer service and the other horrible. It's insane. Save yourself the time and trouble. read more

Incredibly rude and unprofessional ! Avoid this nursery. There are much better options out there with professional business ethics. Wish there was Zero star! read more

If I could put zero stars I would - I have never been so insulted in my entire life at a business. I was called the skank, smell ass, Millennial b****, and many other things for just saying his trees didn't look very healthy. So, so inappropriate, unprofessional, insulting, psychotic actually. All I can say is NEVER go here!!!!! Especially if you are a woman and you are alone - he was very threatening and unstable! Very scary! I will definitely be complaining to the chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau. read more

Just bought about twenty trees two separate orders delivered and will be back for more!! They have Good size trees. Nice Avocados, Cherries, Blueberries and more. They also gave us 2 free ice cream bean and free delivery on our 2nd order. Highly recommend Kingmans if your looking for some nice trees! read more

The owner just told me to go somewhere else right after I told him I came to look at succulents and cacti. First thing out of his mouth is "it's expensive and no games" and "yeah you should go. " I am just laughing after I read all the other one star reviews. The owner is indeed a consistent mental case, wackadoodoodle! STAY AWAY! Hahahaha read more

Had found his listing on Craigslist, so I drove all the way up to vista and purchased some trees to have delivered; at the time john and his staffs seem friendly. The next day I wanted to see if I could make a change, yet instead of just saying no, he ranted on saying a racist comment to me over the phone indicating that Asians always want to change their mind and never stay with their initial choice then he hung up and cancelled the order. His racist comment had nothing to do with the situation at all he had to say he couldn't make changes Do Not Recommend doing business with this person, you would think if you're in the selling business you would have the common sense of having better customer read more

I Went to Kingman AvoCitrus to find my dad a Pomegranate tree for Christmas. When I got there I saw John carefully pruning some of his trees. I told him what I was looking for and he quickly showed me what he had. We were talking for a bit on how to take of the plant when I told him that it was a gift and that my dad likes growing fruit that's not too typical. From there John took me throughout his nursery and showed me all the different tress he had and made some suggestions on what else would grow nicely. I was surprised on the wide variety of plants he had. I was more surprised on how willingly John took the time to show me everything and make sure that I was a happy customer. He also gave me a bunch of different citrus fruit to take home and try out, my car smelled like a citrus oasis for a few hours. Since I'm personally not much of a grower, I don't know how his prices compare to others but I don't care too much. When I get that kind of customer service, I will keep going back. read more

We came in for succulents. He had exactly what we wanted and the prices were very reasonable. The plants looked healthy and the plant areas were nicely organized. Great selection, too! Thanks, John! read more

Wow! I simply called to make an inquiry about plants and the guy who answered the phone was very rude. I give it a thumbs down!!! I would never do business with such a person! Your loss Rude guy on the phone! I will take my business elsewhere! People like this should not be in a customer service business! read more

John was very helpful and knowledgable with succulents. We love this place and will be coming here again!

I Hardly write reviews but i need to put this out there. When i went the guy was extremely rude! I Had my son in my arms and he was babbling as baby's do and he flipped out on me telling em to shut my retarded son up or he will shut him up for good! My so wasnt being loud or anything. My son also doesn't have down syndrome as he said and he does not deserve to be put down like a mutt. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU IF YOU GO! read more

Best place for aloes and succulents. Owner very knowledgeable and great guy. What a find!!

The Avocado Whisperer! and so much more.. We came for an avocado tree to replace the one struggling in our front yard.. John took one look at the picture I showed him on my phone and diagnosed why it wasn't growing and producing avocados like we've been waiting for 4 dang years.. this guy is a pro and he can teach you how to grow an avocado tree that is healthy and fruit producing. He also has quite a collection of aloe, succulents, palms, citrus and other fruit trees.. these plants are THRIVING under his care. And there are not just outdoor plants here, he can show you plants that can live indoors or on your patio. There was a ponytail palm growing bigger than I've ever seen.. around every corner, it seemed I was saying, "wow! look at this one!" And don't worry, John will work with your budget and get you the best deal he can... and besides that you are getting a plant that has been personally tended to.. the quality can't be matched. There are even 31 year old pine trees growing that he planted himself that create a natural canopy for some of his plants to grow.. I really can't rave enough about this place.. we drove over an hour to get there and will be going back again sooner than later.. I'm hooked. read more

Kingman's is a really great nursery with top quality plants and trees. I purchased a couple of Lamb Hass trees that were very nice. One had two or three huge avocados on it and the other had about eight or ten hanging on it. Good luck deciding which trees to pick. It took me about 1/2 hour just deciding which ones I wanted. John was very professional, prompt to respond on email and rearranged his schedule to meet my needs. He showed up on time to install and everything was great. Now.....the trick will be me keeping them alive! If you need trees or xeriscaping, give him a call!! read more

This place is quite a find! And in my own back yard of Vista! The selection of trees (citrus, avocado, and fruit) is abundant and in every size. I went specifically for succulents and cacti.John has numerous varieties and sizes. The quality is great, many have babies included. But the BEST buy was the 17" X18" container for $35 and you can fill it with as many plants as you can fit in it. The small succulents you can get almost 36 plants! Never will I buy from the any of these items from the Big Box store again. read more

Loved this place!! A definite place to go if you want great product and prices. The owner is a wealth of information and is willing to show you great stuff. read more

We stopped by Kingmans when we were in SoCal on vacation. The yard is jam-packed with succulents, trees and other plants. John was very helpful in pointing out the types of succulents and in finding the specific kind we were looking for. He gave us a good deal on a flat of echeveria and was helpful with planting and watering information. He also has gorgeous aloes and agaves. It's worth a stop if you're looking for succulents. read more

We had him come over and plant a couple citrus trees. The charge includes bags of planting soil. There were 2 bags left over and he put them back on his truck. Odd, because I paid for them. About a year later a called him to say that none of the trees produced any fruit and look very different from the same trees I purchased at Home Depot that do produce. I asked if I could exchange them. No options available. My wife then surprised me with two cherry trees that he put in. Apparently these specific cherry trees have no chance of producing fruit or even surviving well in our climate. I guess he didn't know that unless I'm sure he wouldn't have sold them to my wife. I am writing this review as my cherry trees are officially dead. I think I will stick to Home Depot. read more