FAQ – Fruit Seedlings Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our fruit seedlings and services

🌱 Seedlings & Varieties

Which fruit seedlings are best suited for coastal Kenya? +

Several fruit varieties thrive in our coastal climate:

  • Mangoes: Apple, Ngowe, Kent, and Tommy Atkins varieties perform exceptionally well
  • Citrus: Limes, lemons, and tangerines flourish in coastal conditions
  • Coconuts: Dwarf varieties are particularly well-adapted to coastal heat
  • Papayas and Moringa: Both excel in warm, low-altitude areas with moderate rainfall
  • Avocados: Hass and Fuerte varieties also do well in certain coastal areas
What’s the difference between grafted and non-grafted seedlings? +

Grafted seedlings:

  • Begin fruiting in 2-4 years
  • Produce consistent fruit quality
  • Retain parent tree characteristics
  • Recommended for commercial farming

Non-grafted seedlings:

  • Take longer to mature (5-7 years)
  • May produce variable fruit quality
  • Generally less expensive
  • Better suited for experimental or homestead planting
How do I know your seedlings are high quality? +

Our seedlings are propagated from carefully selected parent plants using proven nursery practices. Quality indicators include:

  • Healthy, well-developed root systems
  • Sturdy, disease-free stems
  • Proper variety labeling and certification
  • Regular monitoring and care in our nursery
  • Age-appropriate size and vigor
What size are your seedlings when delivered? +

Seedling sizes vary by type and age:

  • Grafted mango/avocado: 40-80cm tall, in 3-5 liter bags
  • Citrus: 30-60cm tall, ready for transplanting
  • Papaya: 20-40cm tall, younger seedlings
  • Coconut: 6-12 months old with established shoots

All seedlings are at the optimal stage for successful transplanting and establishment.

When will my trees start producing fruit? +

Timeframes vary by crop and care quality:

  • Grafted mangoes and avocados: 2-4 years with proper management
  • Papayas: 8-12 months
  • Bananas: 9-12 months, depending on variety
  • Citrus: 2-3 years for grafted varieties
  • Coconuts: 3-4 years for dwarf types

These estimates assume proper planting, watering, fertilization, and pest management.

🌿 Planting & Care

How many mango trees can I plant per acre? +

Spacing depends on your farming goals:

  • 8m × 8m spacing: 60-65 trees per acre (recommended for balanced growth)
  • 10m × 10m spacing: About 40 trees per acre (allows maximum canopy development)
  • 6m × 6m spacing: 110-115 trees per acre (high-density planting with more management)

Proper spacing ensures adequate sunlight, good air circulation, and larger, higher-quality fruit. Consider your variety, irrigation access, and management capacity when choosing spacing.

What is the best time of year to plant fruit seedlings in coastal Kenya? +

The ideal planting periods are:

  • Long rains (April-June): Best for most fruit trees
  • Short rains (October-November): Second-best option

Planting during rainy seasons helps seedlings establish better as soil moisture is adequate, reducing watering needs and transplant shock. If you have irrigation, you can plant year-round, but avoid the hottest, driest months (January-March).

How much water do newly planted seedlings need? +

Watering requirements change as trees mature:

First 3-6 months (establishment phase):

  • 2-3 times per week during dry periods
  • 15-20 liters per tree per watering
  • Water in early morning or late evening

After establishment:

  • Once or twice weekly, depending on rainfall
  • Deep watering preferred over frequent light watering
  • Reduce frequency during rainy seasons
How should I prepare my land before planting? +

Follow these steps for successful planting:

  1. Clear the land: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris
  2. Mark planting positions: Use stakes to mark tree spacing
  3. Dig planting pits: 60cm × 60cm × 60cm (2 feet cube)
  4. Separate topsoil: Keep the first 30cm of soil separate
  5. Mix soil amendment: Combine topsoil with manure (2:1 ratio) and add fertilizer if needed
  6. Fill pits partially: Leave space for the seedling root ball
  7. Let pits settle: Wait 1-2 weeks before planting if possible
What soil type is best for these fruit trees? +

Most fruit trees prefer well-drained soils:

  • Ideal: Sandy loam to clay loam with good drainage
  • pH range: 5.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Avoid: Waterlogged or very heavy clay soils

Soil improvement tips:

  • Add organic matter (compost, manure) to sandy soils to improve water retention
  • Add sand or organic matter to heavy clay soils to improve drainage
  • Consider raised beds in areas with poor drainage
What common pests and diseases should I watch for? +

Common pests in coastal Kenya:

  • Fruit flies: Use traps and bait sprays during fruiting
  • Mango weevils: Practice good sanitation, remove fallen fruits
  • Scale insects: Control with neem oil or approved insecticides
  • Aphids: Spray with soapy water or neem-based products

Common diseases:

  • Anthracnose: Fungal disease; use copper-based fungicides
  • Powdery mildew: Ensure good air circulation, apply sulfur sprays
  • Root rot: Prevented by proper drainage and avoiding overwatering

We provide detailed pest and disease management guides with every order.

Do you provide planting guidance and aftercare support? +

Yes! We offer comprehensive support including:

  • Land preparation guidance
  • Step-by-step planting instructions
  • Watering schedules and techniques
  • Pruning and training methods
  • Pest and disease management
  • Fertilization programs

Our team is available via phone and WhatsApp to answer your questions and help troubleshoot any challenges throughout the growing season.

Do you supply organic fertilizers? +

Yes, we offer seaweed-based organic fertilizers that:

  • Enhance soil health and microbial activity
  • Promote vigorous seedling establishment
  • Improve nutrient uptake and root development
  • Increase plant resistance to stress and disease
  • Are environmentally friendly and safe

We can provide application guidelines specific to your fruit tree varieties.

Do I need to test my soil before planting? +

While not mandatory, soil testing is highly recommended for:

  • Determining exact pH levels (ideal: 5.5-7.0)
  • Identifying nutrient deficiencies
  • Planning proper fertilizer application
  • Commercial farms and large-scale operations

Where to get soil tested:

  • Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) offices
  • County agricultural offices in Kilifi
  • Private agricultural laboratories in Mombasa

Basic soil testing costs between KSh 2,000-5,000 depending on the parameters tested.

📦 Orders & Delivery

What is your minimum order quantity? +

We accommodate farmers of all sizes:

  • Minimum order: 10 seedlings for individual farmers
  • Bulk orders: We supply large-scale farms, schools, community projects, and agricultural institutions
  • Custom orders: Special arrangements available for very large projects (1000+ seedlings)

Contact us to discuss your specific needs regardless of order size.

Do you deliver outside Mombasa and Kilifi? +

Yes, we deliver across Kenya including:

  • Nairobi and surrounding areas
  • Nakuru and Rift Valley counties
  • Kwale and South Coast
  • Taita Taveta
  • Machakos and Eastern region
  • Other counties by arrangement

Delivery costs vary based on distance and order volume. We ensure seedlings are properly packaged and transported to maintain quality.

How long does delivery take? +

Delivery timeframes depend on location:

  • Kilifi County: Same day or next day delivery
  • Mombasa: 1-2 days after order confirmation
  • Nairobi/nearby counties: 2-3 days
  • Distant counties: 3-5 days

We coordinate delivery schedules with you to ensure someone is available to receive and care for the seedlings immediately upon arrival.

Can I visit your nursery to select seedlings myself? +

Absolutely! We welcome farm visits:

  • Location: Tezo, Kilifi County
  • Visiting hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Appointment: Recommended but not required for small groups

Visiting allows you to personally inspect seedlings, ask questions, and get expert advice. Contact us on WhatsApp at +254 108 886 879 to schedule your visit or get directions.

Do you offer any guarantees or replacement policy? +

We stand behind our seedling quality:

  • All seedlings are inspected before dispatch
  • We replace seedlings that arrive damaged during transport
  • Report any transport damage within 24 hours of delivery
  • Replacements for poor establishment considered on a case-by-case basis when proper care guidelines were followed

Please note: Replacements do not cover seedling loss due to improper planting, inadequate watering, pest damage, or other farm management issues.

Do you offer training or farm visits? +

Yes! We provide various training and consultation services:

  • On-site farm consultations: We can visit your farm to assess land suitability and provide planting guidance
  • Group training sessions: Available for farmer groups, cooperatives, and institutions
  • Farm setup assistance: Help with layout planning, spacing, and initial planting
  • Ongoing support: Phone and WhatsApp consultations throughout the growing season

Contact us to discuss your training needs and associated costs.

💰 Pricing & Payment

What are your payment terms? +

Payment arrangements depend on your location and order size:

  • Local orders (Kilifi County): Cash on delivery or M-PESA before delivery
  • Mombasa orders: M-PESA before delivery or cash on delivery for regular customers
  • Upcountry orders: Advance payment required before dispatch
  • Bulk orders: Flexible payment plans available (deposit + balance on delivery)
  • Institutional orders: Can accommodate invoicing for schools, NGOs, and registered organizations

Contact us directly via WhatsApp to discuss the most convenient payment method for your situation.

What payment methods do you accept? +

We accept multiple payment options:

  • M-PESA: Most common and convenient method
  • Bank transfer: Available for larger orders
  • Cash: For local deliveries or nursery pickups

Payment details will be provided when you place your order.

What determines the price difference between seedlings? +

Seedling prices vary based on several factors:

  • Grafted vs. non-grafted: Grafted seedlings cost more due to skilled labor and time
  • Age and size: Older, more established seedlings command higher prices
  • Variety rarity: Some premium or imported varieties cost more
  • Fruit type: Different crops have different production costs
  • Order volume: Bulk discounts available for large orders

Contact us for specific pricing on the varieties you’re interested in.

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders? +

Yes! We provide attractive discounts for larger orders:

  • 50-100 seedlings: 5-10% discount
  • 100-500 seedlings: 10-15% discount
  • 500+ seedlings: 15-20% discount (negotiable)

Exact discount rates depend on the specific varieties ordered. Contact us with your requirements for a customized quote.

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Our team in Tezo, Kilifi is ready to help you succeed with your fruit farming venture