Questions About the Vetiver Plant
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Questions About the Vetiver System
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Questions About Shipping, etc.
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Questions About Us
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Answers about the Vetiver Plant
Vetiver is the key element in a low cost and efficient system, used in nearly 100 countries, for soil and water conservation, infrastructure stabilization, pollution control, waste water treatment, mitigation and rehabilitation, sediment control, prevention of storm damage and many other environmental protection applications (through bioengineering and phytoremediation).
The basis of The Vetiver System (VS) is that when Vetiver is planted as a hedgerow across a slope, it forms a very dense vegetative barrier that slows down and spreads rainfall runoff. Pretty simple!!! Then combine this with a very deep and strong root system (1/6 the strength of mild steel), a wide range of pH tolerance from about pH 3 to pH 11, a high tolerance to most heavy metals, an ability to remove from soil and water large quantities of excess nitrates, phosphates and farm chemicals, and an attribute of sterility and non-invasiveness, we have a plant that, with some modifications to its application, can be used for soil and water conservation, engineered construction site stabilization, pollution control (constructed wetlands), and most other uses where soil and water come together. More information on this subject can be found on our blog post: What is Vetiver?
Vetiver, from the Southern India cultivars, produces few flowers and the seed from those flowers will not germinate in natural conditions. This is one of the most valuable characteristics of Vetiver when used in bioengineering applications – it is the assurance that the plant will not spread and become invasive in areas where it is introduced. Propagation is only done by means of root division, a process that you can see in our page Vetiver Production in this store. As certified members of The Vetiver Network International, we only propagate and sell plants known to be non-fertile. More information on this subject can be found on our blog post: Weed Potential of Vetiver
The plants and the plugs have been propagated with the same care, production method, and growing materials. The plants have been hardened for a longer time under nursery conditions and have a much greater root development. In difficult soils or conditions, the plants will perform better and will become a firm hedgerow in less time than the smaller plugs. The plugs will require more diligent watering and fertilization, but provide a cost-effective alternative for larger projects that can tolerate a longer development time.
Yes, Vetiveria zizanioides is the source of the Oil of Vetiver. The oil is produced commercially from its roots by means of a steam distillation process. For us, not having that fancy equipment, the roots can be harvested from plants around a year old, washed well, and used in sachets or bundles to perfume lingerie drawers. The aroma is woody and subdued and will last several months. After harvesting the roots, the plant can be divided and replanted for the next year. More information on this subject can be found on our blog post: Vetiver Oil – The Oil of Tranquility.
Vetiver is a tropical plant, and will do well in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates. The USDA considers it adapted to Zones 9 to 11. In the USA, the plant has been known to survive soil temperatures of 14 deg. F. but this is not a recommended environment. In borderline locations, cutting the plant down very close to the ground and mulching heavily has been effective for winter survival. In summary, if the soil is permanently frozen in winter, the plant will be killed - but it will survive a sporadic snowfall. More information on this subject can be found on our blog post: Cold Weather Tolerance of Vetiver.
Once the plant is well established, it is not likely to die very easily unless affected by frost, herbicides, or physical damage. If a plant dies for any reason, its root system will decompose over time like any other vegetative matter. If you can’t wait, dig in six to eight inches into the soil with a pickaxe, and replace the plant filling in with fresh soil.
Answers about the Vetiver System
The Vetiver System (VS) specifies a distance of 4 to 6 inches between plants in order to ensure a strong hedgerow in the shortest possible time. Our plants and plugs have a well developed root system upon delivery and, in most cases, can be safely planted at the maximum 6 inch separation. Bare-root tillers should be planted at a 3 to 4-inch separation because the undeveloped root system will take much longer to become established and may also have a high mortality rate.
Answers about Shipping, etc.
We are certified for export by the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture. Our certificate can be seen in our Credentials page. Our Vetiver plants are shipped in a potting mix composed of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. No natural soil or sand is in the mix. We can provide you with a certificate when you order one in the same order as your plants. It is your responsibility to check with your local regulatory agencies and determine if a certificate is required. We are not responsible for delays or confiscation due to the lack of proper documentation. Due to the distances and scheduling involved to obtain a certificate, shipping your order may be delayed for several days.
Only if you are very patient. Even with the proper permits, Hawaii has a two-year quarantine on any and all grasses entering the state. Contact us on email for a referral to a reliable local source.
If you are not on USA territory, we can only ship plants to you if your country allows imports of plant materials without permits and red tape. Most don’t. Contact us on email for a referral to other reliable sources worldwide.
Hopefully some day. For now, few stores will stock these plants and you may not be able to verify their provenance. Get your plants from reputable growers that are listed as sources by The Vetiver Network International.
Answers about Us
Our tables cover the most typical distances found in residential situations and small stabilization projects. If you have a large project or you are a contractor on a large project, please contact us on email at Vetiver Solutions with details of your requirements. We can supply any size of project and will work with you to determine your solution and best pricing alternative. More information on this subject can be found on our blog post: Christiansted By-pass, St. Croix.
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