Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli Hook.)
Labiatae

Varieties
Johore, Singapore and Indonesia are commonly cultivated.  Out of these, Johore yields the best quality oil whereas the other two give high yield of oil.

Soil and climate
Well drained loamy soil with slightly acidic condition is suitable. The soil pH must be 5.5 to 6.5. It thrives best in hot and humid conditions, under shade of rubber, coconut, coffee, etc. The average temperature suitable for crop growth is 22°C to 28°C. It performs better in regions from 800 to 1000 m above MSL having 150 to 250 cm annual rainfall and atleast 75% humidity.

Propagation and Planting
Rooted stem cuttings of 15-20 cm are used for planting. The field is prepared to a fine tilth and the rooted cuttings are planted at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm during June – July and August - September.

Manuring
Apply FYM 15t/ha and NPK 25:50:50 as basal. N 125 kg/ha is split into 5 equal doses and after each harvest ie., at 4 months interval.

Irrigation
It can be grown as a rainfed crop in hills. In plains, irrigation is to be given at 3-4 days interval upto 1 month of planting and later at 7 - 10 days interval.

Plant and protection
Pests
Nematode
Application of Carbofuran 2kg/ha will control the infestation in the nursery.

Root rot
It can be controlled by drenching the soil with Copper oxy chloride 2g/l. Adequate drainage facilities must be made.

Harvest
First harvest is done when fully grown (after 5 months). Subsequent harvest is done at 3 to 5 months intervals upto 3 years. The leaves are dried in shade and distilled.

Yield
About 30 - 40 kg oil/ha/year can be obtained.