It is suited to all types of soil and tropical climatic conditions. Well distributed annual
rainfall of 100 cm or more is ideal for raising as a rainfed crop.
Direct sowing: 2.5 kg /ha
Transplanting: 0.5 kg /ha
45 – 60 days old seedlings are transplanted at a spacing of 45 x 20 cm during June – July or
September – October.
The roots are ready for harvest after one year. Two leaf strippings can be taken, the
first one after 6 months and the second at 12 months of sowing. Aerial parts are cut and the
soil is ploughed for the harvest of roots. Roots are collected without damage.
The physiological maturity of periwinkle seeds is attained at 40 days after anthesis
with maximum dry weight, germination and vigour with a change of pod colour from green to
yellow with translucence. Seeds can be processed by using 4/64″ round perforated metal
sieves with maximum seed recovery.