Question 1

What is propagation?

Accepted Answer

Plant propagation is the process of reproducing or creating new plants from a variety of sources, most commonly seeds and cuttings. 
 
Propagation from seed:
This is process of sewing seeds in trays of moist growing medium. Trays are kept under controlled conditions in greenhouses whilst they germinate and grow into seedlings (young plants). Once they have reached an appropriate size, they can then be transplanted/planted out into the field to continue growing to maturity. 
 
Propagation from cuttings:
A piece of the stem, root or leaf of a source plant (the plant you want to reproduce) is placed in trays of moist growing medium. By creating suitable conditions, the plant piece will begin to grow as a new plant independent of the parent, a process known as striking. A stem cutting produces new roots and a root cutting produces new stems. Some plants can be grown from leaf pieces, called leaf cuttings, which produce both stems and roots. Again, after an appropriate amount of time, cuttings are ready to be transplanted/planted out into the field to continue growing to maturity.

Question 2

Why should I use an external propagation service?

Accepted Answer

Propagation is a whole science in itself: what plants need and the challenges they face in their first few weeks of life can be wildly different to what they need once in the field. 
 
It's enough to get your head around the technicalities and challenges of growing, harvesting and finding a market, so let us at least take away the head-ache of getting to grips with propagation as well! 
 
By starting a plant's life in a top-quality greenhouse under controlled conditions, you also increase the uniformity and health of your seedlings, making them more likely to thrive when planted out in the field. This increases your success percentages, allowing you to make more accurate projections and gives you a healthier, more uniform crop at harvest.

Question 3

What should I choose Longonot Farm?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous reasons why Longonot Farm should be your first and only choice when it comes to propagation provision. 
 
A few of the reasons we are most proud of are listed below, but click on the 'Why Us' section in options tab for even more information about why choosing Longonot Farm as your propagation providers is the best decision. 
 
- First independent Global GAP accredited propagation unit in East Africa
- Longest running and most experienced propagation unit in Kenya
- Excellent balance between methodical machinery and human expertise 
- No MOQ: we love working with small scale farmers and large commercial organisations alike
- Environmentally conscious
- For farmers, by farmers

Question 4

What do you propagate?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on our ability to expertly propagate a huge range of crops/varieties- from herbs and vegetables to ornamentals, grasses and trees.

Question 5

Do you have a MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Accepted Answer

We don't have one- we warmly welcome orders of all sizes from home-gardening requests  to substantial commercial orders

Question 6

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Each crop takes a slightly different time to propagate. 
 
Our most popular crops are listed below (time in weeks).
If your crop is not listed, please contact us directly. 
 
Herbs; 4-5 (parsley: 7)
Broccoli: 5
Beetroot: 5
Cabbage: 4
Cauliflower: 5
Celery: 10
Chillies: 9
Courgette/zucchini: 3
Cucumber: 3
Eggplant/aubergene: 6
Leek: 6
Lettuce: 4
Melon: 3
Okra: 4
Onion: 6
Peppers/capsicum/hoho: 8
Spinach/sukuma: 5
Tomatoes: 4
 
Please note that all times are estimates.
Click 'Services'-> 'Crop Information' for more guidance.

Question 7

How must does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs depending on the plant/variety, quantity and propagation method. 
 
Seed propagation starts from just 1 KES per plug. 
Cutting propagation starts from just 2.5 KES per cutting. 
 
Please contact us directly for a quotation.

Question 8

Do you do propagation from cuttings?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are experts in both seed and cutting propagation.

Question 9

Do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Delivery can be arranged country-wide depending on the order size. Additional charges apply.
 
Trays are delivered in secure metal racks to ensure plants arrive in excellent condition. 
 
Trays and racks must be returned to the farm.

Question 10

Can I bring my own seed

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! However, seeds must be in a sealed packet with a serial number.

Question 11

Can you source seed for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We happily work with all seed providers across Kenya.
 
Whilst we will gladly provide guidance and share our advise, we never push seed varieties so you are free to choose whatever seed you wish.

Longonot Farm Ltd.

Frequently asked questions