Located on a mountain, Piket-bo-berg, in the Piketberg region of South Africa, Bugler's Post Farms showcases the unique beauty of Cape flora. The family business cultivates Proteas, Leucodendrons, and Leucospermums for the international market. Its history dates back to the mid-50s when Spike Ince bought the farm without any orchards or infrastructure.
"He was not only one of the early fruit growers on the mountain but became a pioneer in the field of proteas when he established his first blocks from seed collected from the Cederberg area in the 60s," Marika Ince, Spike's daughter-in-law who currently helps run the farm along with the greater family, states.
The Ince family farm shows how fruit and flower production complement one another in seasonality. "It's a team effort from beginning to end. Everyone has a key role, whether folding a box in which our product is packed or driving the end product to the airport. We are blessed to have an excellent core team of staff, without which we would not be able to do what we do," she adds.
Proteas and other indigenous flowers
Marika explains that the mountain's climate is very suitable for Proteas. "In general, Fynbos prefers sandy soils, and that is what the mountain offers. Fynbos grows naturally here, which is a good starting point."
She emphasizes that their focus isn't on just any Protea, but specifically the King Protea, South Africa's national flower. "Ayoba ® Arctic Ice is a stunning and regal white king flower," she says proudly.
She adds that they have a very long picking window from March to December. "During autumn, each head gets covered with a material bag to protect them from not only frost but dust or damage on the white exterior."
Bugler's Post also grows seven different varieties of pincushions. "We offer many colors of pincushions," she explains.
This ranges from vibrant yellows and reds to the more subtle shades in between, which includes Ayoba ® Pink, the new kid on the block in the color range. We also have three cone varieties which are primarily grown for the Christmas market."
Having the best varieties is key
"We are shareholders of Future Fynbos, a company that focuses on releasing new commercial protea varieties," she shares. "Through Future Fynbos we have access to these new varieties and their trademark is AYOBA."
When selecting a new seedling, there is a lot to consider: "Vigor, flower color and size, timing, to mention just a few," she says. "It is very satisfying to be part of the long process from seedling to commercial block."
Marika also notes that 10 out of the 13 commercial varieties they grow, are Ayoba® products. Last year we harvested our first Ayoba® Blushing Bride," she explains. "It's exciting to see our farm's portfolio expand with these high-quality varieties from Future Fynbos."
Managing challenges and ensuring quality
"To produce a good quality product, we have a team of technical advisors for cultivation practices, fertilizer, and spraying programs," Marika says.
"Since everything is grown in the open, we are very much exposed to the elements and cold damage is a big threat for us." She adds that spring is their busiest time and that they are in a late-producing area.
Precision and care with every bloom
To ensure the flowers meet the highest standards, every step of the process is meticulously managed. "Maintaining the cold chain is of utmost importance. Once the flowers, which are picked directly into clean water, reach the packshed, they are kept in a shaded area before they get packed. Packed boxes are force-air cooled and loaded directly onto our cold truck so the cold chain does not get broken," she shares.
Bugler's Post flowers are exported through South African exporters and sold to auctions in the Netherlands and Germany under their own name.
The farm is actively involved in community engagement. "We support local organizations and provide training to the next generation of flower growers," Marika says. "It's important for us to not only be successful but to help others in the community learn and grow alongside us."
She is very optimistic about the future. "There's always something new to learn in the industry. We're continuously experimenting with new practices and expanding with new varieties," she says. "It's about more than just growing flowers—it's about creating something beautiful that brings joy to people."
For more information:
Bugler's Post Farms
flowers@buglerspost.co.za