Sutton's Protea

PRODUCTS: Protea flowers

FARMLAND: 95, 5 of which are planted with protea in Half Moon Bay, about 32 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: John P. Sutton

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: In the 1980s, John bought a scenic piece of land in Half Moon Bay, and didn’t yet know what he would grow. At the time, his daughter was living on a protea farm in San Diego county. After talking to the farmer, who was sure that proteas won’t grow as far north as Half Moon Bay, John had a challenge. He planted a small portion of his land with proteas and they have thrived. He has also reforested over 40 acres of the land with Monterey Pines, Coulter Pines, Redwoods and Incense Cedars.

SOIL: For soil fertility, he uses a synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

PEST MANAGEMENT: John controls his biggest problem, grasses that grow at the base of his proteas, by hand-weeding and occasionally mowing. He never uses pesticides or herbicides.

WATER USE: John waters only a few times a year, in the summer. All flowers are hand-harvested.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: None