Coleus Forskohlii

Medicinal Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii)

Varieties

Maimul, Manganiperu, Garmai are some of the popular varieties.

Soil

Well drained red loamy soils are suited for cultivation. Water stagnation should be avoided. Crop thrives best in areas receiving 70 cm annual rainfall.

Seed and seed rate

The crop is propagated through terminal cuttings (10 cm)

Season

Planting is done during June – July.

Planting

Planting is done at 60 x 45 cm spacing (37,030 plants/ha). In low fertile soils, planting is done at 60 x 30 cm which requires 55, 500 plants/ha.

Irrigation

Irrigation is given immediately after planting and subsequently at weekly intervals of time.

Manuring

Incorporate 15 t/ha of FYM during last ploughing. NPK at 30:60:50 kg/ha is applied in two split doses at 30 and 45 days after planting. Apply 10 kg ZnSo4/ha to avoid micronutrient deficiency.

Harvest

Harvest can be done at 5 – 6 months after planting. Harvesting must be done without any damage to the tubers.

Yield

Fresh tubers : 15 – 20 t/ha Dry tubers : 2000 – 2200 kg/ha

Post harvest handling

Harvested tubers are cut into small pieces and dried under shade until it reaches 8 % moisture level.

Note: Market Price for Herbs and Essential Oils is volatile and the economics may vary.