Watering
Proteas need approximately 1/6th of the amount of water compared to avocados. In today’s changing times with water shortages and irrigation cut backs for agricultural use, there is no better time to plant Proteas. The field is laid out and the drip irrigation system installed prior to planting. Mature plants need water twice a week in summer for approximately 3 hours. Water at a very slow drip (two gallon per hour pressure compensated drippers) for two to three hours, depending on the weather and growth stage of the plants. The roots of the plants receive water but the foliage stays dry.
Fertilizer
Proteas are very light feeders. The plants are damaged by too much phosphorous in the fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer as soluble ammonium sulfate beginning in the second/third year is injected through the drip irrigation system. Fertilizer is applied in the Spring and Fall. Approximately 60 pounds of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is applied per acre. Organic fertilizer can be used if desired to comply with the California Department of Agriculture Organic Program (ORG100-RF).
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for flower development. Pruning in the first three years consist of pinching out or cutting the terminals. Once the plant reaches maturity, pruning is incorporated with harvesting of the flowers.
Marketing
Protea USA has working relationships with well-respected broker/wholesalers in Fallbrook and large bouquet makers who make the flowers you see in Costco, Albertsons, Vons, Whole Foods and Stater Brothers. They have their own cold storage and packing facilities with established clients in the retail and wholesale trade. Establishing the necessary infrastructure and selling the product ourselves can obtain higher prices. As the output of Protea USA increases, the marketing and selling activities will be handled in-house.
Protea USA will handle all picking and pruning.