Sandy loam with abundant organic matter and pH of 6.0 is suitable. It comes up well
under tropical and sub-tropical conditions with a rainfall of 200 – 250 cm and high humidity.
Apply FYM or compost at 20 – 25 t/ha as basal. Apply 50 kg N/ha annually, half at
planting and half, one month after planting. From the second year onwards, first dose of
fertilizer should be applied after cutting and again one month after the first dose.
Harvest the leaves first at 90 days after planting and thereafter at 90 days interval.
Cut the bush 10 – 15 cm above the ground level and herbage is withered under shade for
one day prior to distillation. They are then chopped into small pieces and fed into steam
distillation units for distillation of essential oil.
Oil recovery: 0.3 – 0.5 %.