Growing Ylang-ylang

Perfumery Crops | Cinnamon | Elemi | Champaca | Lime | Frangipani | Ylang-ylang | Nutmeg | Sandalwood | Avocado 

The Perfume Tree of the Tropics

1. Botanical Profile

  • Scientific Name: Cananga odorata
  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Common Names: Ylang-ylang, Perfume tree, Cananga
  • Part Used: Flowers (distillation for essential oil)
  • Aromatic Note: Floral, sweet, exotic – luxury perfume heart & top note

2. Climatic & Soil Requirements

  • Climate: Tropical, warm & humid; thrives in lowland areas (sea level to 800m).
  • Temperature: 20–30°C, frost-sensitive.
  • Rainfall: 1,500–2,000 mm annually; requires good distribution.
  • Soil: Deep, well-drained loamy soils; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
  • Sunlight: Full sun; avoid excessive shade.

3. Propagation

  • Seeds: Fresh seeds viable but slow germination (2–6 weeks).
  • Vegetative: Cuttings, marcotting, or grafting preferred for uniform flowering.
  • Nursery Care: Maintain seedlings in polybags for 6–8 months before field planting.

4. Planting & Spacing

  • Spacing: 4m x 4m (approx. 625 trees/ha).
  • Pit Preparation: 60 x 60 x 60 cm, enriched with compost & organic matter.
  • Intercropping: Possible with short-term crops during first 2 years.

5. Cultural Practices

  • Weeding: Regular clearing around young trees.
  • Pruning: Essential – train tree to 2–3 m height to facilitate flower harvest. Remove excess branches.
  • Fertilization: Organic compost + NPK (nitrogen for growth, potassium for flowering).
  • Irrigation: Required during dry months, especially in early establishment.
  • Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and enriches soil.

6. Flowering & Harvesting

  • First Flowering: 2–3 years after planting.
  • Peak Production: 5–7 years onward.
  • Flower Harvest: Early morning (when aroma is strongest).
  • Yield: Up to 20 kg fresh flowers/tree/year under good management.
  • Processing: Immediate steam or hydro-distillation after harvest for oil extraction.

7. Essential Oil Profile

  • Extraction Method: Steam distillation.
  • Yield: 1–2% oil from fresh flowers.
  • Notes:
    • Ylang-ylang Extra: First distillate (premium, perfumery).
    • Ylang-ylang I, II, III: Subsequent fractions (cosmetics, soaps, aromatherapy).
  • Uses: High-grade perfumes, aromatherapy, skin & hair care, luxury blends.

8. Pests & Diseases

  • Pests: Scale insects, aphids, and leaf miners.
  • Diseases: Root rot in waterlogged soils; fungal leaf spots.
  • Control: Integrated management with organic sprays, neem oil, and good drainage.

9. Economic Potential

  • High-value essential oil sought after by perfumery industry (notably Chanel No. 5).
  • Global Demand: Strong in France, USA, Middle East, and luxury cosmetic brands.
  • Agroforestry Integration: Works well with base-note crops (agarwood, sandalwood) and top-note crops (citrus, elemi).

Summary: Ylang-ylang is a tropical perfume tree that thrives in warm, humid climates. With proper pruning, spacing, and early care, it produces highly valuable flowers used in premium essential oils. A sustainable plantation can yield profits within 3–5 years, especially when integrated into perfume-crop agroforestry systems.

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