How to Cultivate Patchouli
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and Java patchouli (Pogostemon heyneanus) are the two species within the Pogostemon genus used to make the heady-scented essential patchouli oil. Long used to repel moths, silverfish, and other insects, patchouli is native to Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, and is cultivated in commercial production along the coast of South India. Patchouli can be grown outdoors in warm climates that do not regularly experience temperatures below 65 degrees F. In cooler climates, patchouli can be cultivated as a houseplant or a tender perennial brought inside to overwinter. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rooted patchouli stem cuttings or purchased patchouli plant in 3" pot
- Soil pH tester
- Compost
- Manure (optional)
- Hoe
- Tiller or shovel
- Trowel
- 15-10-10 fertilizer
- Liquid soluble houseplant fertilizer
- Plant mister
- 1-gallon nursery pot or decorative pot
Instructions
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Warm Climate Cultivation
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1
Chose a site to plant patchouli which has well-drained, sandy-loam soil and light to dappled shade.
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2
Test soil pH, and adjust to a neutral-to-slightly-acid level, about 6.0. Till the soil deeply, incorporating a substantial quantity of manure or compost.
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3
Plant rooted patchouli stem cuttings just to the depth of their roots, 2 feet apart in each direction (or 2 feet apart in rows spaced as necessary to allow cultivation equipment access). Water after planting. Pinch back the tallest stems on each plant 25 days after planting.
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4
Weed weekly during the first three months of growth. Hand-weed around the young plants, and use a hoe or tiller between rows.
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5
Top dress with compost or manure, or apply a commercial 15-10-10 fertilizer once every three months. Water or irrigate every three days. Begin harvesting patchouli five months from the planting date.
Cool Climate Cultivation
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6
Mix 1 part compost to 3 parts potting soil. Fill a 1-gallon nursery or decorative pot with the mixture, using a trowel and taking care to not compact the soil. Water the filled pot and let the soil settle overnight.
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7
Add soil mixture to 1" below rim of the pot. Using trowel, make a hole 4" wide by 4" deep. Remove the patchouli plant from its original pot and place it in the hole. Put soil mixture around the roots and press down gently with your hands. Water lightly.
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8
Place the potted patchouli in a bright window with indirect or filtered sunlight. Water and mist with a plant sprayer daily. Fertilize once a week with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
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9
Beginning after 2 months, pinch back tallest stems by 2" once every month to encourage branching. Transplant to a larger pot after about six months if necessary.
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10
Move potted patchouli outdoors only when weather is consistently over 65 degrees. Place the plant in a shady location and continue to mist it while it is outdoors unless you are in a location with very high humidity.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Field-cultivated patchouli can be inter-cropped with mango, custard-apple, or coconut trees.
