Popular Herb Seedlings for Commercial Farming in South Africa
Herbs are used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes across the world. One disadvantage of most types is that the harvested leaves cannot be stored for long. For the farmer, it means a larger fresh produce market but shorter time to get the harvested plants to the market. An advantage is that herbs can be dried for long-term use. This is also good news for the farmer unable to get to the fresh markets quickly. Propagating the plants from quality seedlings helps farmers to reduce costs and improve crop success.
Two of the popular herbs, which can be grown from seedlings are briefly discussed below, although many other types are available.
Chives
It is closely related to the onion, but a distinct difference can be seen in the leaves. The hollow leaves have pointed ends and are thinner than those of onions. The plant does not grow very high. Chives are widely used as a flavouring herb. It can be eaten raw or can be used in stews.
It is best to transplant the chive seedlings to well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6 and 7. The plants should be propagated in nutrient-rich soil. Loosen the soil down to 50 cm and apply compost into the top 40 cm a few weeks before transplanting the seedlings. Remove all weeds and maintain weed control throughout the growth period. Chives prefer cooler climate regions and are relatively tolerant to frost. However, growth is stunted if exposed to very low temperatures for a prolonged period. These plants perform best in temperature ranges of between 18°C and 28°C.
Parsley
It is one of the most popular herbs in South African culinary applications. It is sold fresh and dried. The biennial plant has flavourful leaves. It produces leaves in the first growth year and seeds in the second. Like chives, it does not grow very tall. It produces several thin stems, which have little leaf bushes at the tips. Most commercial farmers grow it from seedlings and harvest the leaves throughout the first year after which they harvest and remove the plants.
The
herb seedlings should be transplanted to organic, rich sandy loam soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Organic matter should be worked into the soil a few weeks before transplanting the seedlings. The plugs must be transplanted to well-watered soil. The plant prefers a temperature range between 14°C to 26°C. It is one herb that has excellent frost-tolerance properties.
Other Popular Herb Seedlings
Lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, and cilantro are also popular in South Africa.
Why Buy from Hishtil SA?
The plants are grown in a protected environment and chemically treated before delivery to the farm. The greenhouse growth facility provides excellent protection against insects and pests. The farmer thus receives disease- and pest-free plants and save money on the initial chemical treatment of the plugs. The plugs are delivered in trays and collected once the farmer has transplanted the plugs. The plants are delivered throughout South Africa.
Benefit from the expertise, quality stock, and competitive prices offered. Enquire about the
range of herb seedlings for commercial farming purposes.
