Our Facility
Situated on Heuwelfontein Farm in the Sandveld, our facilities are designed to maintain the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Using state-of-the-art techniques, we ensure each plant is propagated under optimal conditions for health and vigor.
Our Facility
The biggest producer of cartonnage plants in South Africa for cartonnage or green potted plants.
Greenhouses
Plants remain here for 4–6 weeks. After being removed from the callus room, they are transplanted into 1L pots and placed in the greenhouses to encourage bud break, allowing for approximately 10 cm of growth.
Net Housing
After 4–6 weeks in the greenhouses, the plants are moved to net housing for hardening and further growth, preparing plants for field planting.
Lead Times
Order by May, grafted in June/July and delivered by October/November of the same year.
Procedures
A large volume of plant material for cartonnage is sourced from our own hedgerows (especially new and upcoming varieties). Budwood and rootstock are carefully selected and prepared for grafting.
Ordering Procedure
- Order and pay the deposit (vines and pots)
- Packed into bins for delivery
- Transport (own or by African Nurseries)
Planting Procedures
- Preparation of the fields
- Irrigation
- Cover crop
- Video of plant
At African Nurseries, we employ a meticulous three-phase propagation process to ensure the production of virus-free, certified plant material with exceptional phytosanitary status. This approach is compliant with the guidelines set forth by the Vine Improvement Association (VIA) and focuses on delivering the highest quality rootstocks and scions to our clients.
Phase 1: Nucleus Plants
The journey begins with a nucleus vine from each candidate or registered clone, maintained in VIA-approved, insect-free nucleus tunnels. These tunnels serve as the starting point for all future multiplication and evaluation. The material undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is virus-free and compliant with the highest standards of certification.
Phase 2: Foundation Blocks
The next step involves establishing virus-free rootstocks and grafted vines in isolated foundation blocks. These blocks, located in insect-free facilities and carefully selected regions, are used for further viticultural and vinicultural evaluations. (Hedge rows in net housing.)
Rootstock Preparation: Rootstocks are cut into precise 30 cm lengths and disbudded to prepare for grafting.
Scion Material: Scion material harvested from the foundation and mother blocks is carefully segregated and prepared for grafting and callusing.
Phase 3: Mother Blocks
The final phase sees the establishment of mother blocks using foundation material. These blocks are cultivated in pre-selected isolated areas, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and genetic integrity.
Propagation Facilities and Expertise
Propagation is carried out in remote, isolated areas, including insect-free greenhouses and open fields, ensuring the integrity of our plant material. By adhering to a stringent propagation process, African Nurseries delivers certified plant material that meets the unique needs of grape growers, enabling them to achieve vineyard success with confidence.
This structured approach reflects our commitment to excellence and sustainability, making African Nurseries a trusted partner in the viticulture industry.
Irrigation: We utilize pure water sources and advanced irrigation systems to nurture plants sustainably.
Quality Control: Every plant undergoes rigorous inspection to guarantee it meets industry benchmarks.
Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to producing healthy, robust plants that will thrive in your vineyard.
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