High-performance Mānuka cultivars

We offer a range of cultivars to fit a broad range of climate and terrain conditions throughout New Zealand.  We engage with our clients to identify the advantages and challenges of plantation sites, and to recommend seedling lines that are shown to deliver ample quantities of high-quality honey.  In addition to recommending seedlines that are well-suited to the specifics of land and climate, we also seek to ensure the longest possible harvest period through a combination of early-flowering and late-flowering cultivars.  

Experience shows that the right choice of seedlings is the most critical decision to maximise productivity and economic performance from your land.


Our Best-In-Class Mānuka Cultivars:

Mānuka CVT 1

The CVT 1 seedline flowers early in September and is suitable for warm, sheltered environments where the honeybees can work in early spring. This variety is well-adapted for use in Northland and other warmer environments. CVT 1 plants tend to be tall and relatively narrow, and reach an approximate final height of 7-9m.  CVT 1 produces large white flowers and very large seed pods.  

Origin: Northland
Mean DHA Levels: 5500
UMF Potential with aging*: 16 – 17+ (≈MGO 650)

Mānuka CVT 2

CVT 2 is suitable for planting throughout New Zealand and typically flowers in October through November, making it ideal for honey harvest periods as hives are returning to full strength. This seedline is adaptable to hill country and has been planted from Northland down to the Marlborough Sounds and Nelson. CVT 2 is bushy and tall with bright green leaves and white flowers, and reaches a final height of between 6-8m.

Origin: Northland
Mean DHA Levels: 8700
UMF Potential with aging*: 23+ (≈MGO 1050)

 

Mānuka CVT 3

CVT 3 typically flowers in November and December and exhibits a high degree of drought tolerance. It is well-adapted to exposed conditions, and performs well even on ridgelines and exposed north-facing slopes.  CVT 3 is bushy, with white flowers and rounder leaves that are olive in colour. CVT 3 plants will generally reach a height of between 6-7m at maturity.

Origin: Wairarapa
Mean DHA Levels: 9500
UMF Potential with aging*: 23+ (≈MGO 1150)

Mānuka CTV 4

CVT 4 exhibits a high degree of cold and frost-tolerance,and grows successfully on moderate hill country; it is also well-adapted to a water-logged areas. CVT 4 typically flowers in late November and December and yields a robust honey crop. It has green leaves and white flowers, is relatively fast-growing and is both bushy and tall, reaching a final height of 6-7m. 

Origin: Waikato
Mean DHA Levels: 9400
UMF Potential with aging*: 23+ (≈MGO 1125)

 

Mānuka  CVT 6

This seedline flowers predominantly in October and can provides high floral density and honey production potential.  CVT 6 is variable in its physical colouration, ranging from green to deep red foliage colour, and flowers also range from white to pink.  It is relatively fast-growing and reaches an approximate final height of 6-8m.

Origin: Hybrid
Mean DHA Levels: 12000
UMF Potential with aging*: 25+ (≈MGO 1425)

Mānuka MFNZ 7

MFNZ 7 flowers in early February and is well-suited for steep ravines and riparian areas with moderate to high rainfall, particularly in the Taranaki region and central North Island. This is a tall, more tree-like variety of manuka, reaching an approximate final height of 7-10m.  It has white flowers and olive leaves.

Origin: Taranaki
Mean DHA levels: 6100
UMF Potential with aging*: 18+ (≈MGO 696) 

 

Mānuka MFNZ 8

MFNZ 8 flowers in early January and demonstrates a high-degree of frost tolerance and hardiness. The MFNZ 8 seedline is suitable for planting in exposed areas as well as swampy areas, especially throughout the central North Island. MFNZ 8 will reach a height of between 6-7m at maturity.

Origin: Central North Island, Ruapehu
Mean DHA levels: 5600
UMF Potential with aging*: 15+ (≈MGO 514)

 
 

*Every site is different and there are a number of factors that influence final UMF/MGO levels in manuka honey, including the age of the plants. In addition, there is some variability in any site from year-to-year. However, the most important determinant of UMF levels and honey production is the genetic makeup of the cultivar itself; this is the reason that MFNZ has collected years of data about the cultivars we sell. The UMF potential described herein is based on such actual data and leading scientific understanding. We encourage all our customers to review and ask questions about our projections, but note that we cannot guarantee UMF/MGO levels.