Using Khat seeds to grow Khat plants

Khat, Qat or Qaad is basically a recreational herb for people of countries of the Northeast Africa and the Arab world.  In countries like Somalia and Yemen, special Khat sessions are held where people, mostly men gather and chew this leafy narcotic raw or have tea mixed with Khat leaves. Chewing this leaf produces strong euphoria and stimulation. During these Khat sessions, men socialize with each other, have long hours of talk and communicate with everyone present in Khat sessions. In short, the Khat sessions act as “social lubricant” in countries like Yemen and Somalia.

Qat is obtained from a plant called Catha Edulis, which contains the alkaloid called cathinone, which is an amphetamine-like stimulant. Qat is legal in many countries whereas it is an illegal or controlled substance in other countries. Qat usually grows in arid environments and can grow in the full sun too. It cannot tolerate frost and over watering may even cause the plant to die.

Growing Khat plants from Khat seeds

It is usually said that Khat seeds are difficult to grow but once it germinates and becomes a sapling, it is easy to maintain. Seeds should be planted in either cactus compost, horticultural sand, vermiculite, or a mix of these three media. It is always suggested that proper water supply is more important than type of soil. The plant cannot tolerate poor drainage and cannot grow in wet soils. It can easily grow in full sun, partial sun or even in shade.

In Ethiopia, Khat is not grown from khat seeds.

It is vegetatively propagated from 12″ suckers or branches near the ground level as well as by cuttings taken from branches. Plants grow properly during the rainy season. In order to make the plants grow properly, adding of fertilizers is very important.

Nitrogen applications can improve the vegetative growth of the plant and help in increasing the yield.

Always remember

When you are using khat seeds you need to be very patient…otherwise don’t try it at home