Nathan grows an abundance of Protea, including Pincushions, Kings, Queens, Pink Ice… you name it, Nathan grows it. Nathan took over the farm from a South African family, hence the focus on Proteas. Did you know that Protea is the national flower of South Africa? Proteas and Leucadendrons originated from South Africa but their vegetation is surprisingly similar to the Bay Area so they grow really well here. Castroville is right on the coastline and Protea actually grows in sand, so it’s the perfect environment for these woody blooms to spring into bloom perfection.