Vetiver — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Chrysopogon zizanioides |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 121.9–213.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant slips or divisions along contour lines on slopes in full sun in any well-drained soil; vetiver is the world standard for low-cost erosion control on steep slopes — a tropical grass from South Asia with an extraordinary root system that penetrates 6–10 feet straight down (not laterally) and holds soil with remarkable efficiency against both water and wind erosion. The World Bank promotes vetiver hedgerow systems in developing countries as the most effective and affordable slope stabilization technology available. The aromatic roots are distilled to produce vetiver essential oil, a base note used in hundreds of fine perfumes. Unlike most grasses used for erosion control, vetiver is sterile and non-invasive — it produces no viable seed and spreads only by division. In zone 8–11 it is an outstanding low-maintenance erosion control plant for steep slopes, stream banks, and road cuts.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0