Vetiver-Harvest and storage

Vetiver planted in July should be harvested after 18 months to get the maximum oil yield. Harvesting is usually done during dry season (December to February).

Harvesting is done by manually digging out the bush along with its roots. The roots are separated from the leaves, washed and dried under the shade for 1-2 days before distillation.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation. The roots that possess the following characteristics have good oil content.

Roots should be slightly reddish brown, expose a hard surface when the skin is peeled off, be thick, hard, long and wiry and with a very bitter taste when chewed.