Desi Palmarosa (10g)

🌾 Palmarosa Desi Seeds (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia)

Description:
Palmarosa Desi, also known as Indian Geranium Grass or Cymbopogon martinii, is a perennial aromatic grass cultivated for its essential oil, which has a pleasant rose-like fragrance. The Desi variety is well-suited to Indian tropical and subtropical climates, known for its high oil content, rich aroma, and excellent adaptability to different soil types. Palmarosa oil is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and natural medicine for its soothing and antimicrobial properties.

Plant Characteristics:

• Type: Perennial aromatic grass

• Family: Poaceae

• Height: 1.5–2 meters

• Leaves: Long, narrow, and fragrant with a rosy scent when crushed

• Inflorescence: Loose panicles bearing pinkish or purplish spikelets

• Aroma: Sweet, rose-like fragrance due to high geraniol content

Growing Information:

• Sowing Season: Spring to early summer (February–June)

• Sowing Depth: 1–1.5 cm

• Germination Time: 7–14 days

• Spacing: 45–60 cm between plants and 60–75 cm between rows

• Sunlight: Full sun exposure is essential for oil quality

• Soil: Well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–8.0)

• Watering: Moderate; water regularly during establishment and dry spells

Cultivation Tips:

• Mix compost or farmyard manure before planting for vigorous growth.

• Weed regularly to maintain soil aeration and moisture.

• The crop matures in 90–120 days and can be harvested 3–4 times a year.

• For best oil yield, harvest leaves just before flowering when essential oil concentration is highest.

Harvest:
Cut the grass 10–15 cm above ground when the flower heads begin to open. The first harvest can be done about 3–4 months after planting, with subsequent harvests every 3 months. Distillation should be done soon after harvest to preserve aroma and oil quality.

Uses:

• Essential Oil: Extracted for use in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and aromatherapy oils.

• Medicinal: The oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and stress-relieving properties.

• Agricultural: Acts as a soil binder and repels certain pests due to its strong fragrance.

Nutritional and Economic Value:
Palmarosa Desi is a profitable aromatic crop with high market demand. Its oil is rich in geraniol (75–85%), a valuable compound in the fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. It also supports sustainable farming by improving soil structure and biodiversity.