Eastern Free State · Established 2024 · First trees lifted 2026
Free State Tree Nursery produces superior open field apple trees for commercial orchardists, grown under climatic conditions well suited to deciduous fruit tree nursery propagation
About Us
Mission
Superior Trees
The mission of Free State Tree Nursery is twofold. First, to provide orchardists in Southern Africa with best-in-class open field apple trees on either Cornell Geneva or M9 rootstocks. This means well hardened-off trees with strong, healthy root systems.
Excellent Service
Secondly, to be deeply responsive to the needs of our clients, communicating with them every step of the way as their trees grow in our nursery. Our foremost priority is to ensure good quality root system development, however we also strive to produce the shape of tree the orchardist desires, whether tall whips, double leaders or trees with feathers.
Cultivation Approach
Pathogen-Free Rootstocks
All rootstocks are exclusively sourced from tissue culture — ensuring genetic uniformity and a disease-free start for every tree.
Protected Growing
Trees are grown on raised ridges, under net, and protected from weeds by artificial mulch, with drip irrigation and fertigation throughout.
Integrated Plant Care
FSTN ensures the long-term health of every tree by following a preventive, integrated approach — as far as is practical using biological products rather than chemical.
Expert Consultation
A range of horticultural specialists regularly advise the team at FSTN on plant care, tree structure, pest control, soil management, fertigation and foliar feed programmes.
Sandy, loamy soils. Summer rainfall. Cold winters. The Eastern Free State provides exactly the conditions needed for superior deciduous fruit tree propagation.
Ample supplies of clean, pollution-free water on the farm — a critical resource for consistent, high-quality nursery production year after year.
The farm has land available for new production blocks for years ahead, giving FSTN the capacity to grow alongside the industry.
The right people, working together — sharing knowledge, helping each other, and delivering trees that exceed expectations.
Our Team
Fertile land, clean water and the right climate are necessary building blocks — but they are not enough on their own. It is the team, and the way they work together, that makes it all possible. FSTN has a skilled and dedicated team who take genuine pride in the quality of care they give every tree. There is a real sense of community in our endeavour, grounded in the knowledge that the success of the nursery benefits the very people who make it possible.
FSTN's leadership team combines over eight decades of hands-on deciduous fruit tree nursery experience with deep operational and commercial expertise. Together, these skills drive a singular ambition: delivering exceptional open field apple trees to a select group of South African orchardists.
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Get In Touch
Get in touch to discuss your planting plans, rootstock and variety choices.
