An apparatus and method for growing and packaging of live plants. The method involves placing a tray with a plurality of strip grooves on a conveyor system and putting growing media into the strip grooves. Plant seeds are then placed substantially in a single row longitudinally on the growing media and nutrients are added. The tray is then placed in a greenhouse until the seeds in each strip mature into a live plant with leaves and a root ball. The root balls are separated from the strip grooves and the live plant is placed in a container that is configured for display and for continued growth. The container is clamshell with a compartment for the leaves and a compartment for the root ball. The root ball compartment securely clamps the root ball and prevents it from sliding within the container. The root ball compartment includes a nutrient compartment.