ajeka :

Cultivation:

Prefers a rich, light, well-drained to dry soil and a position in full sun.
The optimum harvesting time for distillation of the essential oil is when 3 branches per plant, or 75% of the branches, are flowering. In northern Vietnam 2 - 3 cuts can be obtained in an average year, 4 - 5 cuts per year in the south. In Vietnam, Ocimum gratissimum remains productive for 5 - 10 years.
In India, yields of 70 - 75 tonnes per hectare green herbage, producing 400 litres of essential oil in 2 years have been obtained experimentally.
In Thailand harvesting every 10 - 12 days resulted in an annual green herbage yield of only 13 tonnes per hectare, and an oil yield of nearly 200 litres[

Propogation:

Seed - germination rates can be less than 10%. Sow in a nursery seedbed and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually free and quick, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough.
Cuttings take about 28 days to root

Harvesting:

In Thailand harvesting every 10 - 12 days resulted in an annual green herbage yield of only 13 tonnes per hectare, and an oil yield of nearly 200 litres

Dr Mohamed Rifas

A dual country licensed Ayurveda Physician, currently working in Dubai as Head of Ayurveda and Yoga department. He also works as visiting doctor for Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital. He is specialized in joint issues, brain and spine related issues and gastrointestinal issues with respect to anxiety.
Doctor profile: Click here